61 pages • 2 hours read
The Narrow Road to the Deep North
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Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
Burma • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Richard Flanagan's novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, follows Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans as he navigates life during and after being held in a WWII Japanese POW camp. The story alternates between his harrowing experiences in the camp and his post-war struggles with fame, guilt, and complicated relationships, particularly his affair with his uncle's wife, Amy, whose memory sustains him through much of his suffering. The novel includes depictions of war trauma and violence against prisoners.
Dark
Melancholic
Emotional
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
78,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Richard Flanagan's The Narrow Road to the Deep North receives high praise for its poignant portrayal of wartime suffering and complex human emotions. Critics laud its lyrical prose and profound character depth. However, some note that its nonlinear narrative can be confusing. Despite minor flaws, the novel stands out as a powerful and moving literary achievement.
Who Should Read The Narrow Road to the Deep North ?
A reader who would enjoy The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan is likely someone captivated by intense, character-driven narratives and historical fiction. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief would appreciate the profound exploration of human resilience and morality in wartime.
78,364 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amy Mulvaney
Amy Mulvaney
Dorrigo's lover, married to his uncle, who pursues an affair with him before he leaves for the war. She is characterized by her restlessness and desires for something beyond her current life.
Major Tenji Nakamura
Major Tenji Nakamura
A Japanese officer at the POW camp who interacts with Dorrigo as the ranking officer among the prisoners. His actions and internal thoughts provide insight into the Japanese perspective during the war.
Choi Sang-min ("The Goanna")
Choi Sang-min ("The Goanna")
A Korean guard at the POW camp known for his brutality towards the prisoners. He represents the mentality of soldiers who follow orders without question during wartime.
Darky Gardiner
Darky Gardiner
A fellow POW who is optimistic and generous, forming a sharp contrast to Dorrigo's self-perception. His interactions with Dorrigo and other prisoners highlight the camaraderie and struggles within the camp.
464
Novel • Fiction
Burma • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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