Camp 14

This book is the shocking account of a man who was born into a concentration camp in North Korea, his life there from birth, his escape, and his new life in South Korea and the USA. It is a difficult story to continue to read because of the oppression people had to endure in the camp, -the devasting lack of compassion for others as perpetuated by the regime, and the culture of the North Koreans in general. What a horrible country. The people know little of what's going on is other countries, that they are the joke of the world for believing in their leaders, and even if they know the truth, that North Korea has nothing and will continue to be impoverished for no other reason than they are forced into oppression by misguided leaders, there is nothing they can do about it but follow the cult so as not to be osteracized or imprisoned for their thoughts or actions. The thing is that the leaders are not much better off. They are living better than the people, but it is all based on an ideal that never was. I am a socialist, and often wrestle with my ideals in a capitalist society that I benefit greatly from. North Korea cliams to be communist but nothing is given back to the people. I find it extremely difficult to see any redeeming factors in the way that the government treats its people. They starve, they hurt for medical treatment, they have nothing for entertainment or diversions, and many of them don't get paid even though they are working hard, because the companies they work for are broke. Government policy ensures this. There is no reason for it to be this way and no matter what your beliefs are politically none of it makes sense on any level. Camp 14 is an easy book to read as far the writing style and content goes, -dialogue not too tough, and the concepts are easy to understand, which is to say -painful. I am not sure what the outcome is except to make westerners aware if they are not already, that North Korea is indeed a hermit kingdom, a cult of personality, and all fucked up even worse than what we knew. The sensational aspect and the compelling story of human triumph are enough to recommend this book. It also serves as a warning against absolute belief in anything.