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acsaper's review against another edition
5.0
A scary and sentimental glimpse behind the opaque curtain that surrounds North Korea. It takes a few chapters, and almost really the whole book, to realize when this novel is set, though the physical location is unmistakable throughout, as perhaps is the intended effect not only of the writing, but of the subject matter itself. It is an incredible read that both haunts and humbles. Without knowing more about what life is like in DPRK, it's hard to imagine that Johnson didn't paint an accurate, if not fictional, picture. Trying to encapsulate the entire tale reminds me of the opening scene of The Princess Bride where grandpa explains that the story has love, fighting, romance, pirates, bravery, and so on. Here too does The Orphan Master's Son have all this, and more.
reredots's review against another edition
challenging
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
carojust's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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
It's hard to prepare for tragedy at this scale. As you read this book, there's a constant tension of fiction and fact, and it's sobering to accept that much of this is documented testimony of a totalitarian regime.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
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
liakeller's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing how all that matters is the story. Truth is not important. I loved learning more about Korea, though it was terribly disturbing at times. I thought it was interesting how some characters found freedom under that regime. I also like seeing America through their eyes - how we sleep with dogs, eat with our fingers and like to drive in ancient cars.
acdoherty's review against another edition
3.0
A good book, interesting perspective on North Korea for those unacquainted. Doesn't follow the traditional format of a novel that we are more used to but a good read.
okeefepiper's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nooneyouknow's review against another edition
4.0
The second half of this book is what's earning the 4 stars. Dark North Korean picaresque tale. I went along with the first half of the book waiting for the story to pick up and make sense and wasn't disappointed. Very touching exploration of what (if anything) constitutes a "self" and whether it can be made or changed.
skynet666's review against another edition
3.0
This novel is obviously an amazing work of fiction, as indicated by all the awards it received, including the Pulitzer. This is one of the few books that I couldn't wait to read other reviews after I finished. One called it "literary poo", which was certainly to the point about how she felt. Others found it absolutely amazing. I know this is true of almost all books, but with this one, I completely understand. Another reader said you'll only like this book if you love political satire. IMHO, that reviewer didn't understand the book at all. So, what did I think? Yes, it was amazing in many aspects, but I never cared about the characters and didn't enjoy reading it as much as I would have hoped.
jkatz2125's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Such an amazing and wonderful re introduction to fiction from a Stanford professor 😁. Very well researched. Haunting and eerie window into life in North Korea that is incredibly well written.