This is a fascinating book of oral history about everyday life in North Korea over the last 30 years or so. Some of the hardships, sadnesses and brutalities described here are almost beyond belief and those whose stories populate these pages are truly courageous, strong and remarkable folk. The book is slightly let down by its poor editing with lots of repetitions slipping through the net but the histories described here are so compelling that one is inclined to forgive this very minor weakness. The final chapter, simply called 'Waiting', is a fine piece of poetic journalism and the world still waits to see what will happen next in this troubled part of Eastern Asia.
Some of the anecdotes are also quite funny in a very grim way and the lyrics from the NK patriotic song translations are notable for their directness.
'Where are we Going?':
Where have we gone?
We have gone to the forest.
Where are we going?
We are going over the hills.
What are we going to do?
We are going to kill the Japanese soldiers.
And here is another timeless classic 'Shoot the Yankee Bastards:
Our enemies are the American Bastards
Who are trying to take over my beautiful homeland
With guns that I make with my own hands
I will shoot them. BANG, BANG, BANG.
Highly recommended.
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