Customer Reviews

On the Art of Opera

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Kim Jong Il (Sometimes referred to by his hip-hop pseudonym, "Ill Kim Jong") proves once again that he has his fingers on the pulse of the art community with what is widely considered the seminal work in the crowded Dictatorship-Opera genre.

This book covers the genesis of many of Kim's most famous operatic pieces, including "Kim Jong Il Superstar", "The Great Leader and the Amazing Technicolor Torture Chamber of Oppression", "Die Folterkneht", and his most popular work, "1984! On Ice!". It also contains many autobiographical notes and anecdotes of his experiences during his rise to international opera super-stardom in the early 1970's.

I particularly enjoyed the stories about a young Kim performing the contralto parts of La Boheme with his mentor, noted Russian baritone Joe Stalin. Some of the behind-the-scenes exposition into the technical elements required to learn and perform such a part to perfection were incredible to read. Given the context of those elements, it's clear to see why Kim made the decision to sing as a castrati throughout the remainder of his career.

The full color photos of the famous Pyongyang Opera House (designed by the Dear Leader himself) were an inspiration to me as I missed the official "Great Leader Presents: A Night of Opera and Polka to Usher In a New Millenium of Continued North Korean Domination and Prosperity" concert in December of 1999 due to some minor entrance visa issues on my part... A fact I keenly regret to this day.

I recommend this book unreservedly to anyone who is a fan of the arts, despotism, or state-sanctioned starvation, or, ideally, anyone who is a fan of all three.

Before I narrowly escaped, Kim Jong Il ordered my entire family put to death for owning a foreign radio.

But reading this makes up for all of that, Hail Great Leader!

Proof (if any were needed) that high tessituras and hardline Stalinism can make for a fruitful cocktail. Comrade Kim Jong Il, the Dear Leader ™, is not only the rightfully crowned King of Socialism but also a formidable opera queen in his own right. The chapter "Charlotte Church: Crossover as the Dialectical Logic of Late Capitalism, or Just Some Cocky Welsh Teenybopper? " is worth the price of admission alone. The best work of its kind since Pol Pot's "Maria Callas: The Bel Canto Years".

Before I read this stunning book, I used to enjoy opera, eating, freedom, and not having my kidneys beaten with long sticks. Only now do I see the error of my ways.

Set in the vibrant Pyongyang Opera district, we follow the life of a young Kim Jong Il who is torn between his love of opera and his love of torturing dissidents with hot pokers. Only through gentle meditation and stockpiling uranium does our hero come to terms with himself and his country.

Filled with tears and laughter (check out the hilarious chapter in which a search for the North Korean Michael Jackson results in the deaths of thousands), this book is a must read for anyone who enjoys squat despots who wear Elton John glasses.

I used to think that the greatest thinker of all time was Kim Il-Sung. But now I realize what a mistake that was. His son--Kim Jong-Il--is an even more extraordinary talent.

I have never encountered such a tremendous intellect. I read this book nine times so far and I still don't think I have even brushed the bottom of its profundity.

You should buy this masterpiece right now. If you don't have the money, FINANCE IT! Your life is hollow until you experience the dear leader's thought.

It is a true blessing to be able to read and write for which I am eternally greatfull. One of the many perks of this ability is that it enables me to get in touch with novel ideas and great controversies. Reading this book by this great Korean leader and the best man of his country put me in true ecstacy. The depth of his work is so immense. Yet he is able to put the most complex problems of his country in so simple terms that one begins to wander if his career would be better off as a writer or a philosopher. How he explains the evolution of mankind, the importance of science and steel production is pure magic. I recommend that all young intellectuals as well as workers should carefully read this work. Forward to the triumph of socialism!