Eating with the Enemy

Eating with the Enemy recounts the true story of Bobby Egan, a New Jersey barbecue restaurant owner who became an unlikely diplomatic liaison between the United States and North Korea. Through his interactions with Han Song-ryol, North Korea's deputy ambassador to the UN, Egan established unofficial channels of communication during a period of intense international tension. The book follows Egan's evolution from a small business owner to an amateur diplomat, as he hosts North Korean officials at his Hackensack restaurant and accompanies them on fishing trips. His previous experience helping a Vietnamese diplomat who defected to the US had caught the attention of the North Korean mission, leading to this unexpected role. Written by Egan with journalist Kurt Pitzer, the book combines elements of diplomatic intrigue, cultural exchange, and personal transformation. Without formal training or official status, Egan's story demonstrates how individual relationships can sometimes bridge seemingly insurmountable political divides.

Readers describe this as a unique insider account of informal diplomacy between a New Jersey restaurant owner and North Korean officials. Many highlight Egan's authentic voice and self-deprecating humor in telling his improbable story. Readers appreciated: - The personal, ground-level view of international relations - Details about North Korean officials' everyday interactions - The mix of geopolitics and neighborhood barbecue joint atmosphere Common criticisms: - Writing can be disorganized and meandering - Some found Egan's tone too boastful - Several readers wanted more depth on the diplomatic developments Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (118 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (47 ratings) "Like sitting at the counter listening to Bobby tell stories," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review called it "fascinating but frustrating - there's clearly more to this story." Barnes & Noble readers consistently mentioned the book's unique perspective on North Korean relations, even while critiquing its structure.

Without You, There Is No Us by Suki Kim A teacher's firsthand account of life inside North Korea reveals parallel experiences of cultural barriers and relationship building with North Koreans.

Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick Through interviews with North Korean defectors, this work presents life stories that match the personal connections and insights found in Egan's narrative.

The Reluctant Communist by Charles Robert Jenkins and Jim Frederick An American soldier's account of crossing into North Korea provides perspectives on cross-cultural relationships and survival in the DPRK.

A Kim Jong-Il Production by Paul Fischer The true story of a South Korean director and his actress wife's forced filmmaking in North Korea demonstrates the complexities of cross-border relationships and cultural exchange.

Dear Leader by Jang Jin-sung A high-ranking North Korean propagandist's defection story offers insider perspectives on North Korean society comparable to Egan's restaurant diplomacy experiences.

🍖 Bobby Egan's restaurant, Cubby's BBQ in Hackensack, has been operating since 1964 and remains a popular local establishment to this day. 🌏 Before his involvement with North Korea, Egan had previously worked to locate American POWs and MIAs in Vietnam, which helped establish his credibility in diplomatic circles. 🤝 The FBI initially monitored Egan's meetings with North Korean officials but later came to view his unofficial diplomatic channel as potentially valuable. 🎣 The fishing trips mentioned in the book often took place in remote locations across the United States, where North Korean diplomats could experience American culture firsthand. 📚 Co-author Kurt Pitzer, who helped write "Eating with the Enemy," is an accomplished war correspondent who has reported from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans.