Reviews

North Korea Journal by Michael Palin

the_sunken_library's review

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4.0

This was a good little diary explaining the intricacies, difficulties and joyous surprises of a filming a travel documentary in North Korea.

I only know the accounts of those escaping the regime as well as the wholly negative and distrustful views propagated by Western propaganda, so it was interesting to see a different side to the DPRK. That's not to say I can forget or in anyway dismiss the horrific things we know about this isolated dictatorship, but it helped me to have a better understanding of why some North Koreans are so defensive and proud of their way of life. The Kim's are a cult in a land that is souly atheist. It's truly bizarre.

a_gillie's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

This is a very quick read, but contained all of Palin’s well known and much loved charm. A less cynical look at a country shrouded in mystery and rumour. It comes off less “1984”, and more “Brave New World”. Take from that what you will.  

mehsi's review

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5.0

So happy that I found out that Palin is still writing and travelling. I loved his book about Iraq and I am excited that my library had this book as well, even in English!!
In this book Michael Palin travels to North Korea and we see him discover the land. It was very interesting to read and I love the abundance of photographs. It was an interesting glimpse of the country. How they do things, about symbolism, about communism, about the leaders, the people who live there, and more. Great writing-style which kept me engaged all the time.
At times though I felt a bit uncomfortable as he asked some pretty daring/dangerous questions and often didn't seem to understand that people couldn't/wouldn't answer for a multitude of reasons.

jenrkeeling's review against another edition

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adventurous informative

3.5

imogeni's review

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medium-paced

2.25

Agree with the other reviews about how this book lacked critical depth. Did not provide much insight into the country but it was an enjoyable read and can't be judged too harshly as it is a journal/ travel log.

katie_jane2021's review

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informative fast-paced

4.0

annmarli's review

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adventurous informative medium-paced

3.75

bookbabecoffeetalks's review

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adventurous funny informative reflective fast-paced

4.5

sunnymushroom's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging informative fast-paced

4.0

frankie36's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

3.25