Black Girl from Pyongyang
The extraordinary true story of a West African girl raised in North Korea under the guardianship of President Kim Il Sung.
About Us
About Monica Macias
In 1979, aged only seven, Monica Macias was transplanted from West Africa to the unfamiliar surroundings of North Korea. She was sent (with her siblings) by her father Francisco Macias, the first president of post-Independence Equatorial Guinea, to be educated under the guardianship of his ally, Kim Il Sung. However, just months after her arrival, her father (who is "known" as one of the world most "brutal dictators"), was ousted in a bloody coup d'état, and executed by firing squad. MORE
About Black Girl from Pyongyang
Published in March 2023 by Duckworth Publishers, Black Girl from Pyongyang: In Search of My Identity, is Macias second memoir. The book is attracting recognition and attention, as Macías shared the results of her interviews with more than 3,000 people who knew her father, and concluded that he was not guilty of the crimes for which he was executed. Macías also revealed in the book that .. MORE
Book Talk with Monica
Looking for an enriching experience to captivate your audience?
Monica is now open for bookings for author visits and book talks, ready to ignite minds and inspire hearts. Whether you're a seasoned TV or talk show, a forward-thinking company, an educational institution, a haven-seeking library, a grassroots community group, a spiritual congregation, or simply an individual yearning to gather friends and family for an unforgettable afternoon – Monica's book talks promise to ignite curiosity and spark dialogue. READ MORE
Thought-Provoking Evening at Sheffield University
26/2/2025
On the evening of February 26th, I had the privilege of presenting my story at Sheffield University. The event, organised by Dr. Sarah Son, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Centre for Korean Studies, and Rachel Doole, Research Support Administrator at the Centre for Korean Studies, was a full house. The audience included students, lecturers, and individuals interested in North Korea and broader global histories. I was truly encouraged by the level of engagement and curiosity in the room.
I began by summarising my journey—growing up in North Korea, navigating different cultures, and the search for my identity, themes I explore in Black Girl from Pyongyang. The audience listened attentively, and as soon as the floor opened for Q&A, hands shot up.
One of the most thought-provoking questions of the evening concerned my father, Francisco Macías Nguema, and whether he was a nationalist. The participant framed their question through the lens of European nationalism, which often carries associations of exclusion and dominance. However, I offered a different perspective—one rooted in the historical context of Africa’s first generation of independent leaders.
African nationalism, unlike its European counterpart, emerged in direct response to colonial rule. European powers had extracted natural resources, dismantled indigenous cultures, and decimated populations. In this context, African nationalism was about reclaiming sovereignty, protecting people, and securing resources from continued foreign exploitation. It was not about supremacy, but survival. This distinction seemed to resonate with many in the audience, sparking further discussion.
Following the Q&A, I had the pleasure of signing books and speaking with attendees individually. The event reinforced for me the importance of these conversations—not just about my personal journey, but about historical narratives that continue to shape our world.
I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Sarah Son and Rachel Doole for organising such a stimulating and welcoming event. Sheffield University provided an engaging intellectual space, and I left with a deep sense of gratitude for the insightful discussions. These moments remind me why I share my story—to challenge perspectives, bridge cultural understandings, and encourage dialogue on histories that are too often simplified or misunderstood.
Book Talk at Knighton book Festival, 12 october 2024
My Knighton book talk experience
Last year, after my book launch, Fiona, a lovely lady from Knighton, reached out to invite me for a book talk in her charming Welsh town. I accepted without hesitation, looking forward to the experience.
Now, as I write this on the train back to London, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction with how the event unfolded. It reaffirmed my belief in our ability to engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue. One attendee said, "Your story is a world history that resonates with all of us," and I couldn’t agree more. The event truly highlighted how storytelling connects us all, transcending backgrounds and experiences.
The journey to Knighton wasn’t without its challenges. I nearly missed my train from Euston to Birmingham, arriving just three minutes before departure. I also missed the connection from Shrewsbury to Knighton, but the train company kindly provided a taxi. When I arrived at 10:30 p.m., a kind lady named Anne Mary was waiting for me at the station, and I stayed at her lovely home. The next morning, before the event, we enjoyed a peaceful walk around Knighton, a town blessed with clean air and beautiful nature.
After the book talk, the room was buzzing with energy. Attendees lingered, eager to keep the conversation going. Many brought their purchased books for me to sign, sharing how they loved my presentation. I had warm, engaging discussions about identity, culture, feeling the strong sense of connection in the room as people shared in my presentation ’s impact.
Photos from Knighton experience
