Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea
Ratings42
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings42
Average rating3.7
A Westerner's visit into North Korea, told in the form of a graphic novel. Famously referred to as one of the "Axis of Evil" countries, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and mysterious nations in the world today. In early 2001 cartoonist Guy Delisle became one of the few Westerners to be allowed access to the fortresslike country. While living in the nation's capital for two months on a work visa for a French film animation company, Delisle observed what he was allowed to see of the culture and lives of the few North Koreans he encountered; his findings form the basis of this remarkable graphic novel. "Pyongyang "is an informative, personal, and accessible look at a dangerous and enigmatic country.
Reviews with the most likes.
I have mixed feelings about this one. The creator's tone is really flippant. I get that NK isn't the bastion of well, anything most nations strive for, but he condescends almost every aspect of their culture.
It was educational and coincided well with a non fiction book I'm reading about NK at the same time.
Hm, I'm always interested to read first-hand accounts of life in North Korea, and there are definitely some fascinating and sometimes funny observations in here. Sometimes Guy as a narrator seems like a real dick, like he just can't believe the stuff that citizens of an oppressive regime don't know/aren't willing to say to him, and it wasn't totally clear to me if he was aware as he was writing this that he was being kind of a dick about it? Like am I supposed to read this as kind of a confessional or am I also supposed to be shocked?
The black and white sketchy art worked well for a travelogue of a totalitarian regime, and made this a pretty quick read. There are some interesting anecdotes for sure.
Really enjoyed this graphic novel about a French cartoon animators time spent working in North Korea. Beautifully simple and surprisingly revealing.
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