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Adam Johnson

The Orphan Master's Son

Adam JohnsonFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Adam Johnson

The Orphan Master's Son

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

442

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Korea • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson follows Jun Do, the son of a North Korean orphan master, who navigates a treacherous life shaped by national famine, military service, and high-stakes missions including kidnapping and espionage. After taking the identity of Commander Ga, Jun Do grapples with loyalty, identity, and survival under an oppressive regime, ultimately being immortalized as a martyr by state propaganda. This book contains depictions of physical violence.

Dark

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.2

115,283 ratings

77%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Adam Johnson's The Orphan Master's Son offers a gripping and often harrowing glimpse into life in North Korea. Praised for its thought-provoking narrative and intricate character development, the novel, however, faces some criticism for its sometimes improbable plot twists. Overall, it is a compelling and evocative read, blending intensity with profound human resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Orphan Master's Son?

Readers who relish intricate, dark narratives and complex characters would enjoy The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson. This book appeals to fans of 1984 by George Orwell and Life of Pi by Yann Martel, offering a gripping, thought-provoking exploration of North Korean life and identity under an oppressive regime.

4.2

115,283 ratings

77%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

442

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Korea • Contemporary

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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