{"product_id":"pyongyang-9780224079907","title":"Pyongyang","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eFamously referred to as part of the ''Axis-of-Evil'', 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArmed with a smuggled radio and a copy of \u003ci\u003e1984\u003c\/i\u003e, 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis astute and wry musings on life in the auste\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDelisle has drawn an unforgettable picture of Pyongyang * Time *\u003cbr\u003eCombining a gift for anecdote and an ear for absurd dialogue, Delisle's retelling of his adventures makes a gently humorous counterpoint to the daily news stories about the axis of evil, a \u003ci\u003eLost in Translation\u003c\/i\u003e for the Communist world. Delisle's simple but expressive art works well with his account, humanizing the few North Koreans he gets to know and facilitating digressions into North Korean history and various bizarre happenings involving brandy and bear cubs. \u003ci\u003ePyongyang\u003c\/i\u003e will appeal to multiple audiences: current events buffs, \u003ci\u003ePersepolis\u003c\/i\u003e fans and those who just love a good yarn * Publishers Weekly *\u003cbr\u003eNews coverage from North Korea is scant - the regime of the world's last true totalitarian state is not exactly welcoming to foreign journalists. But a new graphic novel gives a rare, tragicomic, glimpse into everyday life in the drabbest of world capitals * Independent *\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe reigning king of the graphic travel memoir... \u003c\/b\u003eDelisle's curiosity and amusement at the country's bizarre relationship with foreign visitors is\u003cb\u003e equally funny and fascinating\u003c\/b\u003e * Guardian, *Top 10 Funny Comic Books* *\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48732893774167,"sku":"9780224079907","price":12.34,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9780224079907.jpg?v=1719998843","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/pyongyang-9780224079907","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}