// Pyongyang by Guy Delisle

I have read quite a handful of memoirs about NK defectors so I went in prepared when I picked up Pyongyang. This graphic novel/memoir is written in the form of a satire. Delisle takes constant jabs at the dictators and at the ones living in the poverty-stricken country. When Delisle worked from North Korea for a French animation company, he observed their ways and noticed the dictator's vice like hold on the citizens. This book is filled with dark humour, one that makes you want to laugh even when you are reading something terrible. Although I wanted more by the time I finished reading this graphic novel, Delisle delivers what he promised. He shows us NK through the eyes of a foreigner. And it's not a pretty sight.

When Delisle lands in North Korea, his radio and other items are immediately confiscated. He is given a list of dos and don'ts and is appointed a guide and a translator without whom he can't really go anywhere. Very quickly he notices the Kim's presence starting from his hotel room where their portraits hang sparkling clean. To save power, only two floors of their hotel were lit while the rest of them lived in darkness. Venturing into other NK cities is prohibited and Delisle understands how much they want to maintain their pretense of being wealthy. The severe disparity between the rich and the poor is glaringly evident.

This memoir was an interesting read, giving us a picture of how desperately the North Koreans are trying to put up an appearance to the outside world. But what bothered me were certain unpleasant comments made by Delisle. He generalizes Asian countries and also makes a very bitter sexist comment. On a general note, Pyongyang wasn't what I expected it to be. But it wasn't a terrible read either.

I have so far read only what the North Korean defectors had to say so this was actually a clever angle. I only wish that it was executed a little better.