Robert Egan could have been a roofing contractor, like his father. Instead, he opened a barbecue restaurant. His interest in the search for Vietnam-era POWs led to an introduction to North Korean officials desperate to improve relations with the United States. So Egan turned his restaurant into Camp David, with pork ribs.
During tumultuous years that saw the death of Kim Il Sung, the rise of Kim Jong Il, the Bush “Axis of Evil,” and North Korea’s successful test of a nuclear weapon, Egan advised North Korea’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations, informed for the FBI, vexed the White House, and nearly rescued a captured U.S. Navy vessel. Based on true events, this fast-paced tale shows how far one citizen can go in working for peace.
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"Love this book. Somewhat average citizen and his relationship with N. Korean diplomats. Serious, unbelievable and funny. Because of isolationism, the relationship is almost like that of meeting an alien race. Like a soap opera, never know what will happen next. "
— Grumpus (5 out of 5 stars)
" Definitely an interesting read as it humanizes North Korean diplomats, but I'm also kind of left with the feeling of 'what in the hell?' "
— Samantha, 5/12/2011" While the book spans decades of U.S. relations with North Korea, the unifying theme is the friendship between the author and Han. The writing is colorful, perhaps exaggerated, but the two main characters are compelling. "
— Jennifer, 3/23/2011" Not a bad book. Sometimes it almost reads like fiction. I could see this being made into a movie... I would've liked to have seen some of the many pictures that are referenced hanging on the wall in the restaurant. "
— Jenn, 11/8/2010" "Eating with the Enemy" offers the most unlikely confluence of mafia wisdom, class warfare, BBQ recipes and a stinging critique of our diplomatic policies. It's a fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable read. Perfect summer reading! "
— Showpony, 7/5/2010Traber Burns worked for thirty-five years in regional theater, including the New York, Oregon, and Alabama Shakespeare festivals. He also spent five years in Los Angeles appearing in many television productions and commercials, including Lost, Close to Home, Without a Trace, Boston Legal, Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case, Gilmore Girls, and others.
Traber Burns worked for thirty-five years in regional theater, including the New York, Oregon, and Alabama Shakespeare festivals. He also spent five years in Los Angeles appearing in many television productions and commercials, including Lost, Close to Home, Without a Trace, Boston Legal, Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case, Gilmore Girls, and others.