The Sorcerer of Pyongyang

In The Sorcerer of Pyongyang, Marcel Theroux explores the extraordinary atmosphere of North Korean life and the power of empathy and the human imagination. Set in one of the most secretive countries in the world, the novel is based on the testimony of North Korean refugees and the author's personal experience of North Korea.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating and captivating tale, all the more remarkable for being set in one of the world's most secretive countries. In his book "The Sorcerer of Pyongyang," Marcel Theroux masterfully captures the unique atmosphere of North Korean life, showcasing his wit and insightful observations.

Michael Palin, in his review, notes that "In the most isolated country on earth, a chance discovery shapes a young man's destiny." Growing up in the midst of the starvation and oppression of the 1990s North Korea, 10-year-old Cho Jun-su stumbles upon a mysterious game, left behind in a hotel room by a rare foreign visitor.

As Jun-su diligently deciphers the rules of the game in secret, he unlocks an inner world that initially provides him with an escape from the political cult that surrounds him. However, as he delves deeper into this newfound world, he realizes that it poses a threat to the very system he has been conditioned to believe in.

Over time, the game leads Jun-su on a mesmerizing and unexpected journey through the hidden depths of his country. He experiences success, glory, love, betrayal, imprisonment, and ultimately, a spell at the pinnacle of the North Korean elite. Through it all, he finds an extraordinary kind of redemption.

"The Sorcerer of Pyongyang" is a heartwarming and deeply researched tale that blends elements of love, survival, and empathy. Inspired by the testimonies of North Korean refugees and drawing on the author's personal experiences of North Korea, it serves as a testament to the power of human imagination and the ability to connect across boundaries.

This captivating story will leave readers captivated, as they explore the complexities of a country that remains largely unknown to the world. Theroux's writing style is engaging and evocative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of North Korean society and culture.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 127 x 196 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472156976