The Orphan Master's Son

A Novel

By: Adam Johnson

Narrated by: Tim Kang, Josiah D. Lee, James Kyson Lee, Adam Johnson

Length: 19 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, Fiction, 2013

An epic novel and a thrilling literary discovery, The Orphan Master’s Son follows a young man’s journey through the icy waters, dark tunnels, and eerie spy chambers of the world’s most mysterious dictatorship, North Korea.

Pak Jun Do is the haunted son of a lost mother - a singer “stolen” to Pyongyang - and an influential father who runs Long Tomorrows, a work camp for orphans. There the boy is given his first taste of power, picking which orphans eat first and which will be lent out for manual labor. Recognized for his loyalty and keen instincts, Jun Do comes to the attention of superiors in the state, rises in the ranks, and starts on a road from which there will be no return.

Considering himself “a humble citizen of the greatest nation in the world,” Jun Do becomes a professional kidnapper who must navigate the shifting rules, arbitrary violence, and baffling demands of his Korean overlords in order to stay alive. Driven to the absolute limit of what any human being could endure, he boldly takes on the treacherous role of rival to Kim Jong Il in an attempt to save the woman he loves, Sun Moon, a legendary actress “so pure, she didn’t know what starving people looked like.”

Part breathless thriller, part story of innocence lost, part story of romantic love, The Orphan Master’s Son is also a riveting portrait of a world heretofore hidden from view: a North Korea rife with hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty but also camaraderie, stolen moments of beauty, and love. A towering literary achievement, The Orphan Master’s Son ushers Adam Johnson into the small group of today’s greatest writers.

From the Hardcover edition.

©2011 Adam Johnson (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

• Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

“An addictive novel of daring ingenuity, a study of sacrifice and freedom in a citizen-eating dynasty, and a timely reminder that anonymous victims of oppression are also human beings who love - The Orphan Master’s Son is a brave and impressive book.” (David Mitchell, author of The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet)

“I’ve never read anything like it. This is truly an amazing reading experience, a tremendous accomplishment. I could spend days talking about how much I love this book. It sounds like overstatement, but no. The Orphan Master’s Son is a masterpiece.” (Charles Bock, author of Beautiful Children)

“Adam Johnson has pulled off literary alchemy, first by setting his novel in North Korea, a country that few of us can imagine, then by producing such compelling characters, whose lives unfold at breakneck speed. I was engrossed right to the amazing conclusion. The result is pure gold, a terrific novel.” (Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone)

Entertaining

It was really enjoyable, even though I was required to read it for a class it was entertaining. The narrators did a good job.

Fantastic

A wonderfully written story, beautifully performed. I've known a lot about North Korea and had heard many first hand stories from its refugees, but never before have I encountered a story that so perfectly encapsulated the hopelessness, the desolation, and the suffocating enslavement of North Korean citizens. This is a must read!

Acccuracy issues and gear change

The first part of the book caught my full attention, but without spoiling anything I must say that the second part of the book ruined the experience for me. I understand some love the way this book is told. I only share the fascination partially.
On top of that I have become aware that the book lacks accuracy to be a good depiction of daily life for citizens in North Korea and draws too much on dramatic effects to tell a story.

I would probably still recommend it, but I would emphasise the fictional nature of the story.

Masterful storytelling

Despite this book being long, Adam Johnson demonstrated masterful storytelling. Through multiple and varied perspectives, the author brought to light a regime little-know to average western audiences. Disturbing yet fascinating. I highly recommend this book.

not as dark as it seems!

One of the best books I've ever read! It's dark and gritty, but not gratuitously so.

Fascinating

Unique! I was both revolted and riveted by this story. Horrible suffering made even more so by the acceptance by the victims, yet incredible beauty and humor sprinkled throughout. Wonderful perspective of the hermit nation of DPRK and a subtle refresher of how good we have it in other nations, despite our own flaws. Glad to have found this book!

Changed My View

This is a life changing book. Totally gave me insight into the impact of a communism on the day to day life of a citizen. Has shifted my view on world events and causes me to consider the story behind the headlines. It’s a long novel, and I almost stopped reading mid-way, but so glad I did not!

Really good book, I felt like they were real.

I really enjoyed this book. It's strong story telling that makes it easy to connect with the characters. I recommend it!

Chilling and marvelous

Really well written and very engaging. Absolutely chilling and marvelous. I want to believe this is unrealistic, but the author does justice to the DPRK.

elite

a moving story full of excitement and adventure to say the very least. top tier stuff.