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North Korea Journal

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North Korea Journal

By: Michael Palin
Narrated by: Michael Palin
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE BOOK BEHIND THE HIT CHANNEL 5 DOCUMENTARY

A glimpse of life inside the world’s most secretive country, as told by Britain’s best-loved travel writer.

In May 2018, former Monty Python stalwart and intrepid globetrotter Michael Palin spent two weeks in the notoriously secretive Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a cut-off land without internet or phone signal, where the countryside has barely moved beyond a centuries-old peasant economy but where the cities have gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious underground train stations. His resulting documentary for Channel 5 was widely acclaimed.

Now he shares his day-by-day diary of his visit, in which he describes not only what he saw – and his fleeting views of what the authorities didn’t want him to see – but recounts the conversations he had with the country’s inhabitants, talks candidly about his encounters with officialdom, and records his musings about a land wholly unlike any other he has ever visited – one that inspires fascination and fear in equal measure.

Written with Palin’s trademark warmth and wit, and illustrated with beautiful colour photographs throughout, the journal offers a rare insight into the North Korea behind the headlines.

©2019 Michael Palin (P)2019 Penguin Audio Asia Cultural & Regional Thought-Provoking Imperial Japan

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All stars
Most relevant  
Another fantastic travel journey. Michael really knows how to stimulate the mind into perfect imagery.
Thank you.

A wonderful insight into DPRK

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Wonderfully read by Mr Palin. I enjoyed the TV show and this just added to that.

A glimpse into North Korean life

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If you enjoyed the documentary I think you will enjoy this too. Great performance by Michael and will definitely be looking at his other audiobooks

Great audiobook

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Interesting tale of his time in North Korea, afraid the openness of his other trips was missing too much for me to fully enjoy it.

Interesting

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I always enjoy Palin, a nice guy & holds you all the way!

I would recommend this book if you have an interest in North Korea

Brilliant & really interesting!

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So much more detail than the documentary and shows much more of Korean life and insights that cannot be filmed. Michael Palin as magical as ever.

Eye opening

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Lovely narration by that warm familiar voice. The story doesn't tell us much that wasn't well known, but the emphasis on common humanity between peoples cannot be faulted.

Pleasant easy listening

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A lovely short account of a trip to North Korea, and the challenges that follow. Excellent narration as usual.

Interesting and concise

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I enjoy Michael Palin's travel series and this one was up to the high standards. The only problem it's not long at just over 3 hours. I wanted more! Wish he could of spent more time in North Korea!

Enjoyable but too short!

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If your a fan of his travel writing, then you won’t be disappointed here, enjoyed finding out about this country. From Michael’s view point.

Excellent

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