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carojust's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
The protagonist is Jun Do, who's immediately misidentified as an orphan. This theme of identity is beautifully expanded upon by Adam Johnson, in a place where citizens have no sense of self, other than their service to their leader. Jun Do lives many lives this way, as he serves competently as a tunnel leader, kidnapper, spy, sailor, translator and eventually commander. Through him, we see brutality, loneliness, fear, and loyalty in different forms. There are small moments of compassion that are enough to help him survive, and understand love and family; he's a child, a blank slate in this way. Johnson uses darkness and blindness as a constant reminder of how the country's people are unknowing, kept in a state of confusion, helpless, and denied the outside world or notions of it.
It's a lot to get through emotionally, and I had to take my time with this one. I recommend it for perspective on a society so alien to us, and us to them, that unsettles you to your core.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
wifeslife's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Dementia, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Death of parent, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
dongchiot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail