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The Orphan Master's Son
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Tim Kang, Josiah D. Lee, James Kyson Lee, Adam Johnson
- Length: 19 hrs and 20 mins
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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.
Critic Reviews
- Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
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What listeners say about The Orphan Master's Son
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- KP
- 06-29-13
Fascinating!
The Orphan Master’s Son was fascinating and compelling. However, if you don't like graphic violence or the depiction of really depressing situations, then this book won't be for you. (I'm now reading a Stephen King book, and it seems like cotton candy compared to this.)
The structure of the book was interesting, even if a bit confusing. The first half was a twisted adventure story – picaresque, like Don Quixote where it moves from one adventure to the next. The second half was a love story, basically. The second half was really confusing for quite a while. It finally became clear that the story was really being told in three versions – Korean propaganda version, Ga version, and interrogator version. Also, it finally becomes clear that the interrogator character’s whole story line occurs AFTER the ending of the story of Ga and Sun Moon (trying not to give too much away about that ending.)
The characters were so well drawn. The growth and change of Commander Ga (Pak Jun Do) from beginning to end was very moving. In the beginning Ga’s name is Jun Do, and the author mentions how this is like John Doe, a nameless character. I presume he is telling us that Jun Do/Ga is like an Everyman character for North Korea. His various adventures demonstrate so much of what must be going on in North Korea.
Ga’s change at the end represents a hope for lifting North Korea out of the dark ages. I had no idea that North Korea was THAT horrible before reading this book. Shame on me, but it’s true. I credit Adam Johnson for bringing this horror to the eyes of many readers who, like myself, were unaware. Change could result from this exposure; one can only hope.
I found many parts of the book to be extremely disturbing – perhaps more disturbing than any other book I’ve read. The worst parts were those narrated by the interrogator character and having to do with the extreme torture. The depth of horror in the North Korean society seemed to be most represented by him. When he described his parents and it became obvious that even they were afraid of him it was done so chillingly. And when he goes through a change toward the end, well, I suppose that is part of the “redemption” in the book, if you could call it that.
I felt the book was too long. I’m not sure where I’d cut it, but perhaps some of Commander Ga’s various transformations could have been left out or shortened. Another possibility would be to somehow leave out some of the torture scenes which were so graphic and disturbing.
49 people found this helpful
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- CLC
- 09-18-15
Sometimes difficult to listen
Incredulous story but based on what I've read /heard about North Korea it's right-on. Some of the scenes are brutal but the horror and violence is never gratuitous and I thought the descriptions were fairly brief (except that your mind will continue to contemplate that which is unsaid). I have listened to some books where I've had to fast-forward through certain parts that were just too horrifying for me to bear . This book took me to that edge several times but then I was pulled back from the horror just as I was feeling I couldn't take much more.
I bought this book long before I listened to it--kept putting it off because the violence would be too much. But I was drawn in right away and often couldn't hit the "stop" button... had many "driveway moments" and the dog got walked much longer some evenings bec. I just couldn't stop listening. Bravo to Adam Johnson for his research into such a dark place and his ability to present an incredible story of devotion, bravery, soul searching, and ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others.
21 people found this helpful
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- Lisa
- 01-27-12
The most compelling listen I've ever owned
I've been an Audible subscriber since the beginning (1999). There are over 500 books in my library. This is the most compelling story I have ever heard. I seriously couldn't turn it off.
To say it is the journey of one man through the "Looking Glass" that is the People's Democratic Republic of Korea, doesn't do it justice. Johnson draws characters that make you feel the oppression of life under that regime. He's obviously done serious study of the North Korean people and culture. The people of this book will live in my thoughts for a long time.
And Johnson addresses this tale with a light touch. It's not maudlin or morose. But it is haunting.
The performances by the readers is equal to this work. The producers uses a very interesting switch at a critical point in this story that brings everything into focus. No spoiler - you'll know it when it happens. But the production makes this recording nothing short of brilliant.
Don't bother to hold the voting this year. I can tell you who wins the Audie.
116 people found this helpful
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- Brigham
- 12-15-15
It Went From Well Written To Pulitzer Prize Worthy
At first, I was impressed with this story. It began compelling and interesting. Then approximately 1/3 - 1/2 into the book, it really took a jump from well written to Pulitzer Prize-deserving. From that point, the story earned its place atop my five-star shelf.
For those who have spent time interested in, or as students of North Korea, this will be particularly thrilling for you. The nature of the story seems so realistic against the true life stories shared by defectors from the DPRK.
What's more, this novel was released two years prior to the release of "Dear Leader" which convincingly (a true story) bears the realities of the Kim dynasty in North Korea and the mannerisms of Kim Jung-il. How Johnson came to personify Kim Jung-il with the realism he was able, verified by the Poet-Laureate of the DPRK is fabulous.
22 people found this helpful
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- Darwin8u
- 08-05-13
My favorite novel set primarily in North Korea
One of my favorite novels of the year, and definitely my favorite novel set primarily in North Korea (I've read four others, or five). This is one of those contemporary novels like 'The Son' by Meyer or Carey's 'True History of the Kelly Gang', or Udall's 'The Lonely Polygamist' that delivers almost everything I search for in a novel: originality, amazing prose, fantastic characters, meaning. These novels might not be 'War and Peace' or 'Moby-Dick' but they definitely show that fiction isn't even close to being dead.
Johnson deftly examines such themes as: propaganda, stories, the concept of self and identity, totalitarianism, love, memory, etc., in a novel way. This book deserves a spot among the other great totalitarian prison books (Koestler's 'Darkness at Noon', Orwell's '1984', and Nabokov's 'Invitation to a Beheading'. Even though only a part of this novel is actually set in a prison, I'd argue that all totalitarian literature is **at heart** just a sub-genre of prison literature. An amazing novel. Don't miss it.
59 people found this helpful
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- Susan
- 03-15-15
Hard to follow
This is a fascinating story. That being said, it was very hard to understand. I loved getting a glimpse into the authors experiences and understandings of North Korea and his afterward was very important to my understanding. Still, most of this I didn't enjoy very much.
7 people found this helpful
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- Karen
- 02-24-12
THE DARK SIDE OF CASABLANCA
This insanely unique novel is hard to describe. Its a literary thriller, a modern-day Casablanca, a character study and a unrelenting bleak and painful portrait of a Country (North Korea) where people are forced to live according to a script written by their sadistic leader, and one wrong word could land you in a prison camp. The pace doesn't let up for a moment as the author explores the effects of constant propaganda, deprivation, and the pain of having to hide your true self or risk torture or death. He weaves his story around a man who starts out in an orphanage, becomes a spy, a kidnapper, and ultimately, an imposter who takes on Kim Jong Il. It's beautifully written, brutally realistic and definitely not for the squeamish.
36 people found this helpful
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- Elizabeth
- 05-02-18
Mixed
Very interesting setting and premise, but fell short for me. The characters weren’t well developed enough for 19 hours, I ended up not really caring toward the end, which was disappointing given the reviews and the long build up.
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- K Cornwinkle
- 08-15-13
Hmmm...I liked this very much but
It is an important and good thing that this book gives readers a glimpse of the true horror of DPRK. But ultimately this is a story (as Adam Johnson tells us in an afterward) and while I think it intends to show us how REAL people suffer, the fantastical, which makes it such a great read, makes the characters stay on the page.
The narration is super. James Kyson Lee as the voice of the PA system in every home -reminded -irony in some way no?- of the disembodied PA voice in M.A.S.H.
I had tried to post a review with a bunch of links in it. A no-no I guess. North Korea information sites and Kim Jong Il's movie star mistress, Song Hye-rim's Wikipedia page.
10 people found this helpful
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- Lua Wilkinson
- 07-13-15
A little lost at times...
Any additional comments?
Good story, was a little lost in the beginning. Not a book you can go in and out of. But it never lost me completely, and was overall good. Sometimes the narrator's "asian" voices were borderline racist sounding (think Mickey Rooney in Breakfast and Tiffany's), but otherwise narrator was good.
4 people found this helpful
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- Marianna
- 12-05-12
Incredible beginning, less convincing second part
The first part of the book is as incredibly captivating depiction of the lives of the main characters in the isolated, oppressive country of North Korea. The story is beautifully written, at times almost poetically, at times with such authenticity of the portrayal of the most intimate thoughts and feelings, that I found it breathtaking and could not stop listen often late to the night. What in my opinion also adds a deeper dimension to the first part of the book is that at times it is based on real historical events, such as the period of famine or the abductions of several people from Japan. These events, and the way they formed people are described with such accuracy, and so realistically, that it provided a very powerful glimpse into the lives of people in this country, which so little is known about.
However, in the second part, the books becomes a lot more surreal. The main character begins to impersonate a well known North Korean war hero, part of the story begins to take place at a very 'high-tech' torture units, with detailed descriptions of torture equipment and techniques, which do not sound very believable, the late leader, Kim Jong-il is depicted almost as a comical caricature.
Personally, I was not very fond of this switch, from a very genuine and authentic, to almost a science-fiction style. I found it a lot less enjoyable form the literary style point of view, as well as confusing, as it almost had a feel of 'pro-US propaganda' and I fear that it may be misleading for some readers.
Still, the first part of the book was superb, and the book was definitely well worth the listen just for that!
2 people found this helpful
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- clive
- 06-30-12
Brilliant story about a brutal place
One of the best books I've heard. I'd listened to 'Nothing to Envy' about North Korea but this book is even better at giving an insight into this dystopian country. It reminded me of the bits of 'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell which are set in the future, though this is terrifyingly present. It's in two parts - the first part immerses you in the life of the orphan master's son and is beautiful and bleak, plotted at breakneck speed like 'The History of Tom Jones' set in 1984. The second part is more fantastical and unlikely, reading like a thriller and a love story and utterly compelling. I think if you like David Mitchell, or 'The Sisters Brothers' or 'Nothing to Envy' then you'll like this. Highly recommended- a book I couldnt stop listening to.
2 people found this helpful
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- joanjava
- 06-06-15
complex multilayered superbly written & well told
riveting horrific tender. makes you thank god you're lucky to be born where you were. highly disturbing. beyond belief.
1 person found this helpful
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- GLK
- 09-15-21
1984 for now, stunning tale of no truth.
Superb. As a recent convert to K-Dramas a friend suggested that I read this as an antidote to the gooey warmth and feel good of television series. It was. Johnson dissects the nature of stories and truth, what we tell ourselves, each other, the world and what the world tells us. Using North Korea as the setting this book is not, in my opinion, about North Korea anymore than Orwell's 1984 bore any resemblance to the events of the historical calendar year of that name. This is about power, absolute power over every detail of people's lives, from their names. their personal and social histories, their bodies but somehow the essence of the titular Orphan Master's son survives his many transmutations. This was masterful story-telling dissecting its very own art. It is also a story set in North Korea about the survival, or not, against all odds of an orphan/miner/kidnapper/spy/soldier. Without getting into a discussion about cultural appropriation, this is novel writing at its best; taking the reader into another (imagined) world, putting us in someone else's ill-fitting shoes. Fabulous. Will read again and analyse his techniques.
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- Mr R Garrett
- 02-23-20
Amazing book
I loved this book. It was a slow start and at one point I almost gave up but it is just fantastic.
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- Peter White
- 10-09-19
Good performance, bit long
Characters good and novel setting
plot meanders a bit in my opinion
entertaining though. worth a shot
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- Caitriona O'Connor
- 05-30-19
Depressing
One awful read... the story itself is heartbreaking and sobering. Not a holiday read. Well written but hard going.
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- Cliente Amazon
- 11-12-18
Amazing
Really enjoyed this one. Got really deep into the story. Plays out like a pulp fiction movie in terms of time lines.
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- Chris N.
- 01-21-18
A total masterpiece
1984, Catch 22, A John Buchan Novel and Brave New World all in one book
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- Kindle Customer Patricia TAYLOR
- 11-23-17
The orphan masters son
I found this book ,alarming and fascinating the narration was exceptionally good couldn't put down. patricia taylor.
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- Ballina Beach
- 07-29-15
Fabulous journey with John Doe (Jun Do)
Extraordinary insight into life of the people under the completely mad dictatorship. Much more compelling following the life of Jun Do. And in part 2 of the interrogator as well as the new jun do. Very clever. Could not stop reading/listening!!
Marvellous & imaginative.
Narrators excellent
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 09-22-20
A great novel from start to finish
Loved this book and a fascinating tale about a fictional but real North Korea
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- sam
- 09-25-19
Great story but so hard to listen to!
This is a magnificent story and beautifully told but it is so tragic that it’s hard to listen to in long blocks.
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- Anonymous User
- 06-03-19
Slow storey
It took a while to get into this and I was engaged for a while and then it jumped to a new section and I couldn't get back into it
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- B_R
- 05-21-18
Unexpected brilliance
As this book had been recommended to me, I had no idea what it was about before I listened to it - I'm not one for back cover blurbs. So The Orphan Master's Son's unique and poignant story line about a North Korean intelligence agent surprised me at every turn. Johnson's brilliance is demonstrated not only in the crazy plot, but also in his portrayal of life in North Korea and his construction of the cast of characters. This novel is Orwellian, satirical, witty and educational all at once. It certainly offers the reader insights as to the value of freedom and of life itself.
The narrators were brilliant also, adding authenticity to the tale. It was always clear which character was speaking or narrating. I particularly loved the voice of the Dear Leader.
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- Sketcher
- 11-02-15
Even for North Korean standards unbelievable s
This was my first fictional story about North Korea after reading a couple non fictional books. Can't say I was impressed. Even for North Korean standards this story seems to be a bit out there and not very convincing. Many things just don't make sense. Happy it's finished. Going back to non fiction for now.
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- Louise
- 08-03-15
Informative and entertaining
An amazing story , cleverly written and well performed. Exposes a lot about North Korea and it's tyrannical leader.
Best audio I have listened to this year.