A review by askoda
The Accusation: Forbidden Stories from Inside North Korea by Bandi

4.0

The Accusation is an incredible and eye opening read. What is interesting is how these stories are so plainly put, as if any other lifestyle would not exist in the mysterious country of North Korea.

There are talks of each persons role in society. Several stories revolve around the social hierarchy and how impossibly difficult it is to climb the ladder of social status. Other stories reflect on how the movements of each citizen are being closely watched and often times scrutinized. Sometimes, it resembled the “if you see something say something” rhetoric that the USA adopted after 9/11.

There is no explanation to the customs and traditions of North Koreans which led me exploring more about their culture beyond the book. And if you don’t research, you’ll likely get lost from time to time.

In this book, there are major cultural differences and yet… so many similarities. These contrasts gave such a unique perspective as to how our own government and society function.

Not only is Bandi shedding light on the dark and cruel ways of his native land, he inadvertently questions the readers perspective of their stomping grounds.