Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea |  | Author: Guy Delisle
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly
List Price: $14.95
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Rating:  42 reviews
Sales Rank: 20265
Media: Paperback
Pages: 192
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 6 x 0.5
ISBN: 1897299214
Dewey Decimal Number: 951.93043
EAN: 9781897299210
ASIN: 1897299214
Publication Date: May 1, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
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 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.
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 42
 Sadly Delightful November 9, 2009
John Vallely (Florissant, MO United States)
I have read several books from North Koreans who have escaped (The Aquariums of PyongYang, This is Paradise! My North Korean Childhood) I was interested in reading something from an outsider who had spent a little time in North Korea. I didn't read the reviews too closely apparently, because I was surprised to find out that this was a "cartoon" book as it were (graphic novel?).
But I believe it describes North Korea better than a narrative could, the insanity of that nation brought to life to see. I read 1984 about 20 years ago, and I am re-reading it now. It amazes that a society of millions could exist on this planet in a world which is more insane than that in 1984.
This book is utterly outstanding, albeit sad that such a place exists.
The Thought Police are everywhere.
A glimpse inside a closed nation... July 22, 2009
Joy (WI, USA)
Although the scope of this book is obviously limited due to the author's own sphere of experience in North Korea, the minimalist drawings and humorous anecdotes bring to life the experience of visiting this communist nation. The humor is a welcome respite in the midst of a story of a nation shrouded in great fear, lack and paranoia.
I think that the author's minimalist drawing style is great and really allow the images to take front and center. I enjoy the intermittent full-page drawings of the people, places and things Mr. Delisle sees... He doesn't wax introspective to a degree that is distracting. He seems to care about the North Korean people that he meets/works with (and the "volunteers" he sees throughout his trip) although he must struggle with the language, cultural and political barriers that separate them. Overall, I really see an honest account coming through the drawings and dialogue and found myself completely wrapped up in the story.
He has a very special account of how he and his official guide and driver spent an afternoon near a stream/river just doing whatever...smoking, enjoying the stream or taking a nap. An ode to the freedom to do and be in the moment...a feeling that most in the "Western-world" do not understand the absence of, yet is a near every-moment reality for those living in totalitarian regimes all around the world.
I would recommend this book for High-School students, history students and current-events watchers as it gives a fresh and personal perspective on a nation with an volatile history, intense current issues and a future no doubt to be in the international spotlight for better or worse...for the sake of the people of North Korea here is hoping it is for the better...
A graphic novel without explosions.... July 16, 2009
Michael Valdivielso (Alexandria, VA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Graphic novels as travelogues is not as common as they should be but they are starting to pop up a lot more. Guy Delisle's visit to North Korea was amazing and a tad weird. I am surprised, after some of the things he did, he was allowed to leave. It almost makes me wish I could get a job in North Korea so I can see if half of the book is true. Maybe if North Korea allowed tour groups in? Visit one of the last remaining Communist nations! SEE clean streets! WATCH volunteers work around the clock! ENJOY living without power!
Frankly, did remind me a little of 1984.
 Drab Black and White Cartoons Depict "Land of the Great Leaders" June 16, 2009
Loyd E. Eskildson (Phoenix, AZ.)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
French cartoonist Delisle found himself in North Korea's capital on a 2-month work visa for a French film animation company. He could only explore in the company of his translator and a guide. Yet, Delisle managed to create a graphic and realistic "novel" of his experience.
At the time of his visit, mobile phones were prohibited, and there was no Internet. Delisle depicts the foreigners' hotel (bland, especially the cafes), municipal loudspeakers with the daily propaganda and motivational music, photos of the Kims in every room, a subway buried 90 meters down that doubles as a bomb shelter, food rationing based on loyalty. The six-day work week + 1 day of "volunteering" for the state, everyone wearing a pin picturing one or both Kims (foreigners are not allowed these pins). Time is measured from the year in which Kim I was born. A trip between two villages in the countryside requires a visa. Only married men with children staying behind are allowed to travel outside North Korea. "Re-education camps" supposedly don't exist, but everyone knows of them, striking both the guilty and their entire families into lifetime servitude.
One of Delisle's diversions from boredom is a trip to the large, underground "International Friendship Exhibit" reached via a nearly deserted 4-lane road to-from Pyongyang. Its purpose is to showcase all the gifts to "Dear Leader" as well as positive news articles. Westerners are not allowed to visit the U.S.N. Pueblo.
Probably most disconcerting of all is the revelation that about half of Pyongyang's residents (a preferred locale) served as informants in their provinces where they formerly lived.
Wonderful and unique portrait of North Korea March 8, 2009
David Quigley (Charlotte, NC)
I love all of Guy Delisle's books, but this is my favorite. Maybe because I am a scholar of Korean History I can appreciate it more, I don't know. Either way, his depictions of the people and activities in Pyongyang are classic and often telling. He is critical and relevant in his portrayal, while at the same time presenting a laugh-out-loud experience in a place that few will ever have the chance to visit. I cannot recommend this book enough to those who want a fun and often educating book to enjoy, whether or not they have any interested in North Korea. Delisle's ability to observe is classic and can be appreciated by all.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 42
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