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.

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.

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

Adam Johnson

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

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The Orphan Master's Son Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: The Biography of Jun Do

Prologue-Chapter 2

The Orphan Master's Son Prologue-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: The Confessions of Commander Ga

Chapters 5-9

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-13

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-17

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-21

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 18-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-26

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-30

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 27-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-32

The Orphan Master's Son Chapters 31-32 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Orphan Master's Son Character Analysis

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Themes

The Orphan Master's Son Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Orphan Master's Son Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Orphan Master's Son Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Orphan Master's Son Essay Topics

The Orphan Master's Son

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