I've read a fair amount of books about North Korea, but this one is by far the most powerful and detailed book about normal life in the country. It's a very detailed and impressive book, following a number of ordinary North Koreans, and doesn't hold back on the positivity of the regime there as well as its faults and concerns. Most certainly the most interesting book I've read, and done in such a matter-of-fact, non-exaggerated way, it's hard to accuse it of being propaganda: indeed, the fact checking appears to be very well done. A difficult book in places, but worthwhile reading.