Amazon.com: Customer reviews: The Great Successor: The Secret Rise and Rule of Kim Jong Un
The Great Successor: The Secret Rise and Rule of Kim Jong Un
byAnna Fifield
Format: Audible AudiobookChange
Write a review
See All Buying Options
Add to Wish List
-------------------------
Paul C
5.0 out of 5 starsWell researched and immediate.June 11, 2019
Format: Hardcover
Using her own familiarity of the regime and interviews with many defectors and others with intimate knowledge of the ruling family, the author first tells the story of the initial leader of the country, Kim Il-Sung, then his son, Kim Jong-Il, and finally the succession of power to the current Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un. From his seclusion from the public eye as a child to his schooling in Switzerland, Fifield’s characterization of The Great Successor is a complete look into the his paranoia and ineptitude.
The book focuses on three main factors of the power dynamic, how privilege and birthright combined to sell the position to the people, how that dominance continues to be held, and how Kim will be able to negotiate international politics. These three explorations enable the author to both use a top-down approach of examples of the leader’s propaganda and the people’s view of the grasp for power. There are fascinating anecdotes from within the circle of influence showing the eccentricities of Kim Jong Il and from the lowest peasants showing their desperation to gain a foothold in an economy that now depends on the black market to survive.
Even with her intimate knowledge, Fifield is able to distance herself from her subject and present an objective look at a man who has been endlessly caricatured. Especially in the places when Kim steps on the international stage with two Americans who have had their share of past dalliances, Dennis Rodman and Donald Trump.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take a clear and absorbing look into The Hermit Kingdom and its enigmatic leader. What this book does the best is invest in the now… It is well-research and immediate.
6 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Julie Merilatt
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Man, The Myth, The Brutal LegendJune 10, 2019
Format: HardcoverVine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
Prior to reading this, I didn’t realize how very little I knew about Kim Jong Un’s regime, though North Korea’s secretiveness is certainly a contributing factor. Fifield’s insightful biography of the unlikely successor, Kim Jong Il’s 3rd son and the 3rd Kim to rule, gives a clearer picture of Kim Jong Un. I learned not only about his family, education, wife, health, and lifestyle, but a great deal about the country and its history. Having frequently visited North Korea as a journalist, using her background as a correspondent to Asia, and relying on numerous sources, including plenty of defectors, Fifield candidly presents what life in the regime is like.
Un’s consolidation of power, his often contradictory attitude and behavior, his recent hostilities regarding his nuclear program, and now his apparent amenableness all make him a larger-than-life figure on the international stage. The Dennis Rodman interactions were entertaining, while the assassination of Un’s older half-brother was disturbing. There is still so much we don’t know about what goes on in North Korea, and there is no denying the brutality of the regime. But with recent talks with foreign leaders including President Trump, there have been unprecedented moves towards improving the economy and living standards. Now I will be much more interested whenever North Korea and Kim Jong Un make headlines.
6 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
M. JEFFREY MCMAHON
TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 starsDurability of a Family TyrannyJune 9, 2019
Format: HardcoverVine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
Some of the most salient, compelling points in Anna Fifield’s The Great Successor is that the young Kim Yong Un, born in 1984, is not some fly-by-night crazy dictator. He is part of an enduring family legacy, and he is very calculating in his moves whether he is provoking other countries, making hydrogen bombs, or using his hackers to procure him millions of dollars.
Fifield has interviewed dozens of North Korean escapees for hundreds of hours to give us a penetrating, terrifying, at times absurd psychological portrait of Kim Yong Un. We see the leader's expensive tastes as he luxuriates with the 0.1% elites in Wonsan, North Korea’s swanky resort town. We see how Kim Yong Un borrows methods from people like Stalin to erect a Personality Cult. We learn of North Korea’s atrocious policies that torture its own people in camps and “sweatboxes,” and leaves a huge percentage of the population left to starve even while submitted to forced labor. We learn that Kim Yong Un lives off of Machiavelli’s adage “that it is better to be feared than loved.” North Koreans must listen to a radio built in to their apartment walls that is tuned to the Propaganda Station 24/7 and they are spied upon by a neighborhood-chosen busy body, a middle-aged matriarch who is rewarded for reporting “bad behavior” to the authorities.
This is a well written fast-paced, sometimes humorous (“Being an isolated autocrat can be socially limiting.”), often terrifying account of a ruthless dictator living within the confines of the Hermit Kingdom. Recommended.
5 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
JuLee Rudolf
VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 starsJournalist's obsession with North Korea and its leader shows...if only it were an easier readJune 10, 2019
Format: HardcoverVine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
I chose this story because of an obsession with information about North Korea, having loved several other books I've read about it including Barbara Deming's Nothing to Envy, Suki Kim's Without You There Is No Us, and Adam Johnson's The Orphan Master's Son. I'm a speedier than average reader, so I figured that making my way through its 300-ish page would be a breeze. Not so. There is plenty of interesting information about Kim Jong Un's childhood, upbringing, his succession, and his leadership, but instead of the feeling I had while reading the aforementioned titles, all I felt while trying to get through this one was a sense of obligation and the regret of choosing it in the first place. It begins with a map (easily Googled and unnecessary) and a (very useful) partial family tree, and continues on with the prologue in which author Anna Fifield explains ultimately that she pieced the story of Kim Jong Un together (p 8), "Over hundreds of hours of interviews across eight countries..." What follows is what has become standard fare for non-fiction: a bunch of mostly unrelated chapters (each preceded by a quote) covering a sort of specific topic related to the "Brilliant Comrade."
I found a lot of the book's information as fascinating as I found the book a challenge to get through. I appreciated learning how the family came into power in the first place, insight from those who worked for and/or were close to the family, stuff about his childhood in Switzerland, the way he was chosen (over other family members) to become the leader of NK, famines, prison camps, Dennis Rodman (one of my favorite chapters with one of my favorite lines--on p 179), computer hacking, Otto Warmbier (and others detained by the NK government), assassinations and recent attempts at diplomacy with the US. I only wish it had been an easier read, which is why I rated it (3.5/5.0 stars and rounded up to) 4.0.
One person found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Robert C Ross
VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 starsFascinating readingJune 7, 2019
Format: HardcoverVine Customer Review of Free Product( What's this? )
This well written and edited book show signs, to a general reader like myself, at least, of excellent research. I found it an excellent overview of the family that has ruled this mysterious country for so many years.
Robert C. Ross
June 2019
One person found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
K. Dekleva
5.0 out of 5 starsThe definitive book about Kim Jong UnJune 11, 2019
Format: Hardcover
This is the definitive biography about Kim Jong Un, written by an intrepid reporter with over a decade of reporting about North Korea. Her narrative is gripping and intriguing, and she shows how Kim easily took absolute power following his father’s death in2011, and how he was, in hindsight, to the manor born. The author highlights his ruthlessness and how both South Korea and the West underestimated Kim’s formidable political skills. She does a fine job of peering into Kim’s psyche and what makes him tick - important points as the world community will likely be dealing diplomatically with Kim for the foreseeable future. All in all, a superb book and a must read by Anna Fifield.
--------------
The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un
by
4.36 · Rating details · 14 ratings · 13 reviews
The behind-the-scenes story of the rise and reign of the world's strangest and most elusive tyrant, Kim Jong Un, by the journalist with the best connections and insights into the bizarrely dangerous world of North Korea.
Since his birth in 1984, Kim Jong Un has been swaddled in myth and propaganda, from the plainly silly--he could supposedly drive a car at the age of three--to the grimly bloody stories of family members who perished at his command.
Anna Fifield reconstructs Kim's past and present with exclusive access to sources near him and brings her unique understanding to explain the dynastic mission of the Kim family in North Korea. The archaic notion of despotic family rule matches the almost medieval hardship the country has suffered under the Kims. Few people thought that a young, untested, unhealthy, Swiss-educated basketball fanatic could hold together a country that should have fallen apart years ago. But Kim Jong Un has not just survived, he has thrived, abetted by the approval of Donald Trump and diplomacy's weirdest bromance.
Skeptical yet insightful, Fifield creates a captivating portrait of the oddest and most secretive political regime in the world--one that is isolated yet internationally relevant, bankrupt yet in possession of nuclear weapons--and its ruler, the self-proclaimed Beloved and Respected Leader, Kim Jong Un. (less)
Since his birth in 1984, Kim Jong Un has been swaddled in myth and propaganda, from the plainly silly--he could supposedly drive a car at the age of three--to the grimly bloody stories of family members who perished at his command.
Anna Fifield reconstructs Kim's past and present with exclusive access to sources near him and brings her unique understanding to explain the dynastic mission of the Kim family in North Korea. The archaic notion of despotic family rule matches the almost medieval hardship the country has suffered under the Kims. Few people thought that a young, untested, unhealthy, Swiss-educated basketball fanatic could hold together a country that should have fallen apart years ago. But Kim Jong Un has not just survived, he has thrived, abetted by the approval of Donald Trump and diplomacy's weirdest bromance.
Skeptical yet insightful, Fifield creates a captivating portrait of the oddest and most secretive political regime in the world--one that is isolated yet internationally relevant, bankrupt yet in possession of nuclear weapons--and its ruler, the self-proclaimed Beloved and Respected Leader, Kim Jong Un. (less)
Hardcover, 336 pages
Published June 11th 2019 by PublicAffairs
Recommend This Book None of your friends have reviewed this book yet.
Ask the Goodreads community a question about The Great Successor
Be the first to ask a question about The Great Successor
This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »
Showing 1-13
Mar 23, 2019Brenda Evans rated it it was amazing
In August 2014, the world was hoping that 26-year-old Kim Jong Un, the newly anointed leader of North Korea would be a reformer. His third generation, family dynasty was at risk with a young Kim Jung Un without military or government background. The world was skeptical he had the skills to succeed.
Great Successor provides a detailed history of the three generations of the Kim Dynasty: the grandfather, Kim II Sung, his son, Kim Jong II, and his grandson, Kim Jung Un. The ruling regime used all its wiles to establish Kim Jung Un; he accompanied his father to many events; he was introduced to schools, and government officials read out lectures throughout which the students were taught to cheer “long life.”
Anna’s book is a Tour de force; she describes a barely functioning economy and an oppressed country whose people had fear in their eyes. Anna supports our understanding of how a despotic ruler brainwashes his people; beginning at a young age; the children are instructed to chant songs which express love for the leader who becomes god-like in their eyes. North Korean people do not celebrate their own birthdays; the whole country celebrates the birthday of the leader. Their personalities are entwined with the leaders; his triumphs become their triumphs.
Anna Fifield writes with poignancy and shows the misery and desolation of living in North Korea. The regime inherited by Kim Jung Un was merciless, autocratic, and the North Korean people were starving but were required to idolize the Great Commander. How could a young, inexperienced ruler manage the politics and the economy without running afoul of the current leadership and the possible hatred of the people?
The Great Successor relates that Kim Jung Un kept the influential people around him happy by providing a superior standard of living. But he moreover had to identify loyal people with future value and begin to eliminate those who could constitute a danger. From Anna’s research, he seems to have been eminently capable of this level of strategy. He also proved capable of conducting meetings with President Xi of China, President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, and President Trump of America.
Anna provides many, many insights in this book which people will read and appreciate for themselves. I can only remain hopeful that America can forge a relationship with Kim Jung Un by walking that fine line to establish a successful collaboration between North Korea and the world. The alternative is unthinkable.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Anna has thoroughly researched the Great Successor and spoken to hundreds of people who could provide any insight at all into the man, Kim Jung Un. It is historical going back three generations and offers excellent insight into the inheritance of Kim Jung Un. Readers should be aware there is an extremely sinister side to the story and Anna has written in horrific detail about the deprivations of life in North Korea. She describes the removal of people who speak against the regime, the still existing labor camps and the — no communication policy — with the external world.
I recommend this book to people interested in politics, history, relationships, and unanswered questions about today’s world. I do not recommend it to people who prefer light reading. (less)
Great Successor provides a detailed history of the three generations of the Kim Dynasty: the grandfather, Kim II Sung, his son, Kim Jong II, and his grandson, Kim Jung Un. The ruling regime used all its wiles to establish Kim Jung Un; he accompanied his father to many events; he was introduced to schools, and government officials read out lectures throughout which the students were taught to cheer “long life.”
Anna’s book is a Tour de force; she describes a barely functioning economy and an oppressed country whose people had fear in their eyes. Anna supports our understanding of how a despotic ruler brainwashes his people; beginning at a young age; the children are instructed to chant songs which express love for the leader who becomes god-like in their eyes. North Korean people do not celebrate their own birthdays; the whole country celebrates the birthday of the leader. Their personalities are entwined with the leaders; his triumphs become their triumphs.
Anna Fifield writes with poignancy and shows the misery and desolation of living in North Korea. The regime inherited by Kim Jung Un was merciless, autocratic, and the North Korean people were starving but were required to idolize the Great Commander. How could a young, inexperienced ruler manage the politics and the economy without running afoul of the current leadership and the possible hatred of the people?
The Great Successor relates that Kim Jung Un kept the influential people around him happy by providing a superior standard of living. But he moreover had to identify loyal people with future value and begin to eliminate those who could constitute a danger. From Anna’s research, he seems to have been eminently capable of this level of strategy. He also proved capable of conducting meetings with President Xi of China, President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, and President Trump of America.
Anna provides many, many insights in this book which people will read and appreciate for themselves. I can only remain hopeful that America can forge a relationship with Kim Jung Un by walking that fine line to establish a successful collaboration between North Korea and the world. The alternative is unthinkable.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Anna has thoroughly researched the Great Successor and spoken to hundreds of people who could provide any insight at all into the man, Kim Jung Un. It is historical going back three generations and offers excellent insight into the inheritance of Kim Jung Un. Readers should be aware there is an extremely sinister side to the story and Anna has written in horrific detail about the deprivations of life in North Korea. She describes the removal of people who speak against the regime, the still existing labor camps and the — no communication policy — with the external world.
I recommend this book to people interested in politics, history, relationships, and unanswered questions about today’s world. I do not recommend it to people who prefer light reading. (less)
Feb 25, 2019Bettie☯ marked it as maybe
Why is Kim Jong Un so keen on talking to President Trump? Will he give up his nukes? And how did he defy expectations to remain leader of North Korea anyway? Answers, plus lots of new details about his life, in “The Great Successor,” out June 11.
(Note: I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley)
Through countless hours interviewing North Korean defectors ranging from average citizens to members of the ruling Kim family, deep research, and her own experiences traveling to the “Hermit Kingdom,” as a journalist, Anna Fifield has crafted an incredibly in-depth work about Kim Jong Un and the country he rules as Supreme Leader.
For starters, “The Great Successor” cuts right into the mix of mystery and absurd myth that has surrounded Kim Jong Un since he has stepped out of the privileged, protected shadows and into the spotlight. “The Great Successor” provides as intimate and detailed an overview of his life as possible, covering everything including his hyper-sheeted childhood, his European schooling under a fake identity, his cementation of himself as undisputed ruler after his father’s death right, and everything else up until the present day. And amongst many revelations, we are shown what appears to be a complex figure who is simultaneously more politically savvy, more open to change, and also far more ruthless than many may give him credit for.
Alongside this deep journey through one man’s life is also a comprehensive overview of modern-day North Korea. Fifield shows a country that has opened up a surprising amount economically, provided some modest improvements in the quality of life for a nascent middle class, and is also where the lucky well-connected are becoming fabulously enriched thanks to the new leader. We also see a nation where its ruling family is expected to be treated as gods, a literal caste systems based upon political loyalty still exists, malnourishment reigns rampant, prison camps are expanding, and fear of merciless punishment from above keeps everyone firmly in check.
These are only two broad areas in which Fifield’s work shines magnificently. To call this book a strong recommend is the very least that I can do. If anything, “The Great Successor” is practically essential reading considering the outsized role its subject dictator and his veritable kingdom continue to play on the world stage. (less)
Through countless hours interviewing North Korean defectors ranging from average citizens to members of the ruling Kim family, deep research, and her own experiences traveling to the “Hermit Kingdom,” as a journalist, Anna Fifield has crafted an incredibly in-depth work about Kim Jong Un and the country he rules as Supreme Leader.
For starters, “The Great Successor” cuts right into the mix of mystery and absurd myth that has surrounded Kim Jong Un since he has stepped out of the privileged, protected shadows and into the spotlight. “The Great Successor” provides as intimate and detailed an overview of his life as possible, covering everything including his hyper-sheeted childhood, his European schooling under a fake identity, his cementation of himself as undisputed ruler after his father’s death right, and everything else up until the present day. And amongst many revelations, we are shown what appears to be a complex figure who is simultaneously more politically savvy, more open to change, and also far more ruthless than many may give him credit for.
Alongside this deep journey through one man’s life is also a comprehensive overview of modern-day North Korea. Fifield shows a country that has opened up a surprising amount economically, provided some modest improvements in the quality of life for a nascent middle class, and is also where the lucky well-connected are becoming fabulously enriched thanks to the new leader. We also see a nation where its ruling family is expected to be treated as gods, a literal caste systems based upon political loyalty still exists, malnourishment reigns rampant, prison camps are expanding, and fear of merciless punishment from above keeps everyone firmly in check.
These are only two broad areas in which Fifield’s work shines magnificently. To call this book a strong recommend is the very least that I can do. If anything, “The Great Successor” is practically essential reading considering the outsized role its subject dictator and his veritable kingdom continue to play on the world stage. (less)
4.5. I loved this much more than one might expect to love a biography of what's known about Kim Jong Un. You also may not expect it to be a page-turner, but amazingly, it is.
Jun 11, 2019Kristine rated it really liked it
The Great Successor by Anna Fifield is a free NetGalley ebook that I read in early June.
The biography and rise of Kim Jong Un, as told by an American journalist who has traveled to North Korea many times and interviews several people close to him, as well as former citizens who have escaped. The story really begins with his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who is tapped for leadership by the Soviet government in the mid-1940s, before his father Kim Jong Il succeeds after his death in 1991. From there, there's insight from court sushi maker Fujimoto who worked for the family for 15 years and playmate to Kim Jong Il. Over Kim Jong Un's childhood, adulthood, and leadership over North Korea, it skips abruptly through time as a topic allows. As a leader, he models himself after his grandfather, yet alternatingly embraces (like his sister Kim Yo Jong) and excludes the rest of his extended family from illustrious positions (perhaps even planning their assassinations, particularly that of firstborn half-brother Kim Jong Nam and uncle Jang Song-Thaek); there's also a pervading sense of downplaying rumors and carefully shielding North Korea from the outside world. Naturally, this encourages a slow allowance of market trade, Chinese imports, exchanging goods for services, USB drives with movies and music from South Korea, a prevalent use of meth, people crossing the border into South Korea to avoid uncertain poverty, the higher classes encouraging a high cost of high-rise ownership, fashion, and plastic surgery, the expansion of sciences, and building of nuclear missiles. (less)
The biography and rise of Kim Jong Un, as told by an American journalist who has traveled to North Korea many times and interviews several people close to him, as well as former citizens who have escaped. The story really begins with his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who is tapped for leadership by the Soviet government in the mid-1940s, before his father Kim Jong Il succeeds after his death in 1991. From there, there's insight from court sushi maker Fujimoto who worked for the family for 15 years and playmate to Kim Jong Il. Over Kim Jong Un's childhood, adulthood, and leadership over North Korea, it skips abruptly through time as a topic allows. As a leader, he models himself after his grandfather, yet alternatingly embraces (like his sister Kim Yo Jong) and excludes the rest of his extended family from illustrious positions (perhaps even planning their assassinations, particularly that of firstborn half-brother Kim Jong Nam and uncle Jang Song-Thaek); there's also a pervading sense of downplaying rumors and carefully shielding North Korea from the outside world. Naturally, this encourages a slow allowance of market trade, Chinese imports, exchanging goods for services, USB drives with movies and music from South Korea, a prevalent use of meth, people crossing the border into South Korea to avoid uncertain poverty, the higher classes encouraging a high cost of high-rise ownership, fashion, and plastic surgery, the expansion of sciences, and building of nuclear missiles. (less)
Prior to reading this, I didn’t realize how very little I knew about Kim Jong Un’s regime, though North Korea’s secretiveness is certainly a contributing factor. Fifield’s insightful biography of the unlikely successor, Kim Jong Il’s 3rd son and the 3rd Kim to rule, gives a clearer picture of Kim Jong Un. I learned not only about his family, education, wife, health, and lifestyle, but a great deal about the country and its history. Having frequently visited North Korea as a journalist, using her background as a correspondent to Asia, and relying on numerous sources, including plenty of defectors, Fifield candidly presents what life in the regime is like.
Un’s consolidation of power, his often contradictory attitude and behavior, his recent hostilities regarding his nuclear program, and now his apparent amenableness all make him a larger-than-life figure on the international stage. The Dennis Rodman interactions were entertaining, while the assassination of Un’s older half-brother was disturbing. There is still so much we don’t know about what goes on in North Korea, and there is no denying the brutality of the regime. But with recent talks with foreign leaders including President Trump, there have been unprecedented moves towards improving the economy and living standards. Now I will be much more interested whenever North Korea and Kim Jong Un make headlines.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine Program.(less)
Un’s consolidation of power, his often contradictory attitude and behavior, his recent hostilities regarding his nuclear program, and now his apparent amenableness all make him a larger-than-life figure on the international stage. The Dennis Rodman interactions were entertaining, while the assassination of Un’s older half-brother was disturbing. There is still so much we don’t know about what goes on in North Korea, and there is no denying the brutality of the regime. But with recent talks with foreign leaders including President Trump, there have been unprecedented moves towards improving the economy and living standards. Now I will be much more interested whenever North Korea and Kim Jong Un make headlines.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine Program.(less)
Apr 03, 2019Donna Hines rated it really liked it · review of another edition
A well written view into the life and times of Kim Jong Un.
Beginning with his own family and his mother's death from breast cancer to his fathers demise paving the way for his son to take over is quite fascinating.
The interesting note is not just the man we've come to know as a brutal dictator willing to kill his own half brother without a second glance but his demeanor, his narcissism, his ability to portray himself as 'normal'.
I suppose it's not a surprise given the amount of propaganda surrounding N. Korea, nor the constant source of lies and half truths, that his rise to power is something he enjoys politicizing.
What is not unusual to note is he was a loner, a wealthy man born of privilege, currently owns 33 homes with underground tunnels and compounds to suit the king but surprisingly he enjoys basketball and I dare to say Dennis Rodman.
Go figure!
Who would've thought you could believe anything out of this man's mouth but then again there's USA with our own current dilemma aboard that has his hand upon the red button.
Rocket man meat our version of 'normal' it's a sight that nobody ever thought was coming.
To enlighten yourself I'd recommend this read as it was quite a different take from what most would suspect or even believe.
Thank you to Anna, the publisher, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review. (less)
Beginning with his own family and his mother's death from breast cancer to his fathers demise paving the way for his son to take over is quite fascinating.
The interesting note is not just the man we've come to know as a brutal dictator willing to kill his own half brother without a second glance but his demeanor, his narcissism, his ability to portray himself as 'normal'.
I suppose it's not a surprise given the amount of propaganda surrounding N. Korea, nor the constant source of lies and half truths, that his rise to power is something he enjoys politicizing.
What is not unusual to note is he was a loner, a wealthy man born of privilege, currently owns 33 homes with underground tunnels and compounds to suit the king but surprisingly he enjoys basketball and I dare to say Dennis Rodman.
Go figure!
Who would've thought you could believe anything out of this man's mouth but then again there's USA with our own current dilemma aboard that has his hand upon the red button.
Rocket man meat our version of 'normal' it's a sight that nobody ever thought was coming.
To enlighten yourself I'd recommend this read as it was quite a different take from what most would suspect or even believe.
Thank you to Anna, the publisher, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review. (less)
Jun 10, 2019Paul rated it it was amazing
Even with her intimate knowledge, Fifield is able to distance herself from her subject and present an objective look at a man who has been endlessly caricatured. Especially in the places when Kim steps on the international stage with two Americans who have had their share of past dalliances, Dennis Rodman and Donald Trump.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take a clear and absorbing look into The Hermit Kingdom and its enigmatic leader. What this book does the best is invest in the now… It is well-research and immediate.
5 out of 5 stars
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/06/10/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog (less)
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take a clear and absorbing look into The Hermit Kingdom and its enigmatic leader. What this book does the best is invest in the now… It is well-research and immediate.
5 out of 5 stars
For my full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2019/06/10/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog (less)
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Fascinating read with more insight than you would expect considering the subject matter. There is keen insight into the political ascension of the Kim dynasty, Kim Jong Un's grooming for the position, and the internal politics shaping the narrative of each leader in the Kim dynasty. The reader will gain a better understanding on the creation of the Kim dynasty and what has transpired to create the current leader in North Korea. This book is informative and highly relevant in our current political climate. (less)
Fascinating read with more insight than you would expect considering the subject matter. There is keen insight into the political ascension of the Kim dynasty, Kim Jong Un's grooming for the position, and the internal politics shaping the narrative of each leader in the Kim dynasty. The reader will gain a better understanding on the creation of the Kim dynasty and what has transpired to create the current leader in North Korea. This book is informative and highly relevant in our current political climate. (less)
Jun 11, 2019Cristie Underwood marked it as kindle
This is the first in depth and unbiased biography about the leader of North Korea. I enjoyed the obscure facts that the author was able to divulge about her subject.
Given the snarky subtitle of this book I wondered if it was going to be a bit on the satirical side. However, the author provides a serious, well-researched portrait of the eccentric North Korean dictator. She is able to offer some details of his early childhood, school years in Switzerland, rise to power, and political maneuvering at home and in the international community.
Rather than portraying Kim Jong Un as nothing more than a deranged lunatic, Fifield seeks to understand him. She strikes an excellent balance between recognizing him as a canny politician and as a brutal, entitled egomaniac who couldn’t care less about the suffering he inflicts on others to maintain absolute power, an obscenely luxurious lifestyle, and the “adoration” of his people.
Personally, I would have liked to learn a little more about what is faced by religious people (who must be in the extreme minority) in North Korea, but maybe there was no way for the author to obtain this information. Overall, I was very pleased with this book as it provided an informative overview of this horrible little man and his devastated country while seeming to maintain a bit more objectivity than is usual with this topic. I highly recommend reading this! (less)
Rather than portraying Kim Jong Un as nothing more than a deranged lunatic, Fifield seeks to understand him. She strikes an excellent balance between recognizing him as a canny politician and as a brutal, entitled egomaniac who couldn’t care less about the suffering he inflicts on others to maintain absolute power, an obscenely luxurious lifestyle, and the “adoration” of his people.
Personally, I would have liked to learn a little more about what is faced by religious people (who must be in the extreme minority) in North Korea, but maybe there was no way for the author to obtain this information. Overall, I was very pleased with this book as it provided an informative overview of this horrible little man and his devastated country while seeming to maintain a bit more objectivity than is usual with this topic. I highly recommend reading this! (less)
May 23, 2019Ermelindo Figueroa rated it really liked it
As someone that has a huge fascination with the Kim Dynasty and the DRRK, this is one of the best books I have had the pleasure of reading on North Korea. The dedication and experiences of Anna Fifield make the book great as she interviewed many people that most journalists might overlook which allows the reader to get a better understanding of this mysterious family. I also appreciated her dedication to the subject matter even traveling to Kuala Lumpur to research the death (assassination) of his uncle within literal hours of his death. Absolutely tremendous book and insight into Kim Jong Un. Highly recommended! (less)
Apr 19, 2019jesse r lewis rated it it was amazing
Timely book on an interesting subject. I've previously read several books on the DPRK and the Kim dynasty, but none were as approachable and enjoyable to read. When it was originally requested, I was thinking it might be a tongue-in-cheek approach to Kim Jong Un, which I thought would be enjoyable, but found myself reading it for some time before I realized it wasn't what I initially expected. The author's access to people from Kim's inner circle - including the chef whose story I have wanted to read in English for some time - makes this book more than just another book on the hermit kingdom of the Korean peninsula. (less)
No comments:
Post a Comment