Famously referred to as an "Axis-of-Evil" country, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and mysterious nations in the world today. A series of manmade and natural catastrophes have also left it one of the poorest. When the fortress-like country recently opened the door a crack to foreign investment, cartoonist Guy Delisle found himself in its capital of Pyongyang on a work visa for a French film animation company, becoming one of the few Westerners to witness current conditions in the surreal showcase city. Armed with a smuggled radio and a copy of 1984, Delisle could only explore Pyongyang and its countryside while chaperoned by his translator and a guide. But among the statues, portraits and propaganda of leaders Kim Il-Sung and his son Kim Jong-Il - the world's only Communist dynasty - Delisle was able to observe more than was intended of the culture and lives of the few North Koreans he encountered. His astute and wry musings on life in the austere and grim regime form the basis of this remarkable graphic novel. "Pyongyang" is an informative, personal, and accessible look at an enigmatic country.
This is another one I borrowed from the library. It was OK, but a little disappointing as well. Not a lot is really known about North Korea and Delisle's account of 2 months working there gave some insight, as well as confirmation of what others have told. There was too much stereotyping for me. His characterization of North Koreans, as well as that of those from other countries, bordered on racism at times. The way he criticized the behaviour of his guides and interpreters may have been an accurate account of how they were, but at times I felt his criticism was a bit unfair. He had the benefit of knowing what it is like outside of North Korea, whereas for them there never has been another way of life, with no chance of that changing for them. Sure they have been brainwashed, but they probably don't even know that themselves. Having said all that, the book was quite insightful and made me fairly thankful for my lot in life.
