56 pages • 1 hour read
The Orphan Master's Son
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Book Brief
442
Novel • Fiction
North Korea • Contemporary
2012
Adult
18+ years
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
115,283 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
115,283 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
442
Novel • Fiction
North Korea • Contemporary
2012
Adult
18+ years
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