Between 4−5 stars rating, 19 January 2015 taking seriously the difference between government policy and the reality of daily life
By: Hazel Smith, North Korea expert
Tudor and Pearson's timely book goes a long way to counter the lazy stereotypes that provide the staple of global commentary on North Korea. This beautifully-written account of daily life shows that North Koreans of every age routinely bypass government restrictions as they participate on a day-to-day basis in self-interested market-driven activities. Young North Koreans watch South Korean movies, listen to KPop, copy of South Koreans fashions and like young people everywhere, find ways to meet up with partners outside of the restrictions of parental supervision. The authors... See More do not minimise the authoritarian nature of the North Korea state but they make a hugely important contribution in taking seriously the difference between government policy and the reality of daily life. This book is a must read!