The Orphan Master's Son
by Adam Johnson
Approximately 496 pages
A violent and surreal journey through an imagined North Korea combines thriller momentum with shifting identities and state propaganda.
Difficulty
Challenging
Pace
Fast
Mood
brutal, surreal
Book club
High
Is this book for you?
Read this if you enjoy
- readers of political dystopias
- readers comfortable with tonal shifts
Consider another book if
- depictions of torture are unsuitable
- you want strict realism
What it is about
"The Orphan Master's Son" follows the life of Pak Jun Do, a boy raised in a North Korean orphanage. He navigates a society marked by oppression and propaganda. Jun Do's experiences lead him to become a kidnapper for the state, targeting Japanese citizens.
He eventually assumes the identity of a high-ranking official, gaining access to the inner workings of the regime. The novel explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle for freedom. Jun Do's journey intertwines with that of a famous actress, leading to complex relationships.
The narrative highlights the harsh realities of life in North Korea. Through Jun Do's eyes, the reader witnesses the effects of totalitarianism on individuals. The story is structured with a blend of realism and surrealism.
Ultimately, it raises questions about the nature of truth and selfhood in a repressive society.
Award recognition
2013 winner
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
United States
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