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
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
