The Sorcerer of Pyongyang

Product Information

That’s right,” said the medical officer. “But sometimes, when I listen to your heart through the stethoscope, I hear a whooshing sound after the boom-boom.” Has he—” Jun-su’s mother began a sentence, then seemed to think better of it. She glanced at her husband and began again, speaking almost in a whisper. “Has Yeong-nam ever tried to touch you?” she asked.

The Sorcerer of Pyongyang | Book by Marcel Theroux | Official The Sorcerer of Pyongyang | Book by Marcel Theroux | Official

Jun-su moved towards him. He was astonished by the shifty expression on Tae-il’s face: a look of guilt and discomfort.The Sorcerer of Pyongyang is a book that feels both niche and universal -- niche in its subject matter, universal in its themes. No interest in Dungeons & Dragons is required to enjoy this one, although I do think some curiosity about North Korea is necessary. Drawing on his own experiences visiting the country and the testimonies of North Korean refugees, Theroux paints an intimate, vivid portrait of North Korean life, from the famine of the early 1990s to the country's antagonistic, insular present. I've always been fascinated by North Korea, but most documentaries tend to focus on the more sensationalistic aspects of the country and culture, rather than on the day-to-day life of North Koreans like Theroux does here. It's a valuable and important perspective.

The Sorcerer of Pyongyang: A Novel by Marcel Theroux The Sorcerer of Pyongyang: A Novel by Marcel Theroux

His father’s words hit Jun-su with the force of a blow. So-dok was an undemonstrative man and this behavior was deeply out of character. It would never have occurred to Jun-su that his father might be angry for his own private reasons. Jun-su assumed that he had done something wrong. They walked along in silence for a little while. For a moment Jun-su thought he might burst into tears. A moment later, he was sitting on a low cot in a hut while the collective farm’s medical officer pressed a stethoscope to his chest.The author (son of Paul Theroux and the apple that smartly didn’t roll all that far) utilized his own travels to the area, extensive interviews with North Koreans and equally extensive research to craft a story as immersive as it is heartrending. Lie still,” snapped Teacher Kang. “I studied medicine with Kim Bong-han. He was so smart the Great Leader put him on a stamp. If you work hard and do as your teacher says, they may put you on a stamp one day.” Marcel (Raymond) Theroux is a British novelist and broadcaster. He is the older son of the American travel writer and novelist, Paul Theroux. His younger brother, Louis Theroux, is a journalist and television reporter. Jun-su took it and set off towards the complex of apartments. He felt excited as he approached the unfamiliar building. He imagined that he was a spy entrusted with an important mission for the Fatherland. Two children were hanging laundry on a line suspended between two spindly trees. One of them called out to ask him where he was going. Jun-su proudly ignored him. Jun-su knew that if he told his parents a word of what had happened, that would spell the end of the game.

The Sorcerer of Pyongyang by Marcel Theroux | Goodreads

This was a fascinating look at life in North Korea in the 90’s. The coming of age aspect was great because you see the blind obedience develop into questioning as the main character gets older. I am a Dungeons and Dragons fan, so I loved that aspect of the story but if you are put off by it, don’t be. While it’s a huge basis for the plot, the details of the games are small and not too involved. stars. The story of a North Korean boy, Cho Jun-su, whose discovery of the Western guide to the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons opens up a world of possibilities for him. The author acts somewhat as a documentarian covering Jun-su's life, revealing the harsh realities of living under an oppressive regime where the rules can change without notice. A powerful, compelling story.North Korea + Dungeons & Dragons was the mindset I entered this book (although never played and barely know what’s the game about) but it was much much more and much different from everything I expected!! Around him there was a babble of concerned voices. Jun-su was confused. He couldn’t understand anything they were saying. He heard the front door open. It was his mother. She sat on the end of his mattress and felt his forehead. Her cool hands smoothed his face and hair. “I bought you something,” she said, and she laid a comic book beside him and—equally wondrous—a tiny bottle of fizzy melon juice. A book begging to be read on the beach, with the sun warming the sand and salt in the air: pure escapism. Jun-su glared fiercely at the old man. “Stop it, Teacher Kang,” he hissed. “Or I’ll call my mother.”