"…the book is also peppered with interesting anecdotes and stories about cultural and private life in the DPRK that do not typically receive attention in the western media."—Curtis Melvin, blogger, North Korea Economy Watch

"Felix Abt prefers to stay apolitical and impartial when sharing his thoughts and memories of the seven-year sojourn. From the book we can see that he loves Korea and cares about its people. In his assessments of North KoreaÆs past and present the author approaches all issues from a human (and humanistic) perspective, trying to show life in the country without political or ideological coloring."—Leonid Petrov, lecturer in Korean Studies, The University of Sydney

"This book challenges many of our views of an allegedly isolated and static country. It is a must-read for everyone who is seriously interested in understanding important aspects of the inner dynamics and the development of North Korea in the 21st century." —Rudiger Frank, North Korea expert and economics professor, University of Vienna.

"Very few Westerners can match Felix Abt's depth of hands-on business experience in North Korea. Not only similarly adventurous would-be investors and traders in the 'Hermit Kingdom' but also members of my own fraternity of Pyongyang-watchers will want to peruse his useful new book for the otherwise unavailable details and unique insights it provides. Don't look for apologies here."—Bradley K. Martin, longtime Asia news correspondent and author of Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty