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The Orphan Master's Son

By Adam Johnson
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Orphan Master's Son, readers are taken on a gripping journey through the harsh realities of life in North Korea. The story follows Pak Jun Do, an orphan who rises through the regime's ranks, navigating a world of manipulation and brutality. Through identity shifts and unexpected assignments, Jun Do confronts the boundaries of loyalty and the power of love and sacrifice in a totalitarian state.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you appreciate complex narratives that explore identity, love, and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of political intrigue. Its richly woven tale of a man's journey through the rigid confines of a totalitarian regime offers both poignant insights and thrilling moments. If you're interested in profound storytelling with elements of suspense and deep emotional impact, this might be a compelling read for you.

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- WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION
- NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
- NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
- 'You know you are in the hands of someone who can tell a story.

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION 2013 - the dark and hilarious story of a young man's passage through the prison camps and dictatorship of North Korea. For fans of THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE and CLOUD ATLAS

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Orphan Master's Son is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2013, offering a dark and hilarious story of a young man's passage through the prison camps and dictatorship of North Korea. It's ideal for fans of The Underground Railroad, Fleishman Is in Trouble, and Cloud Atlas.

This award-winning and New York Times bestselling novel is a dark and witty story depicting the rise of a young orphan within the surreal and tyrannical regime of North Korea.

"You know you are in the hands of someone who can tell a story. Fantastic" - Zadie Smith

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
New York Times Bestseller
National Book Award Finalist

Young Pak Jun Do is convinced he is special. He believes he must be the unique son of the master of the orphanage, and certainly not just some child abandoned by his parents. Surely, it was obvious from the way his father singled him out for regular beatings?

He finds his calling when selected as a spy and kidnapper for his nation, the glorious Democratic Republic of North Korea. Pak Jun Do knows he must find his true love, Sun Moon, the greatest opera star who ever lived, before it's too late. He believes he's not like the other prisoners in the camp. He's going to get out soon. Isn't he?

This hilarious, dark literary epic follows a young boy's rise in North Korea from orphan to high-ranking officer. It earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the National Book Award. Adam Johnson is currently working on a new work of fiction.

"An addictive novel of daring ingenuity" - David Mitchell
"Excavates the very meaning of life" - New York Times

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Orphan Master's Son is praised for its exploration of themes such as love and sacrifice within an oppressive regime. Critics admire its narrative ingenuity and ability to depict freedom and humanity under duress. Notable authors hail it as a compelling and significant contribution to dystopian literature, noting its storytelling prowess and atmospheric depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552778251

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 February 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Black Swan

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 35.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 398g

Pages: 592

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Adam Johnson Best Sellers at Book Hero Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction Moving Day Sale Moving Day Sale: Books Moving Day Sale: General Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

Adam Johnson teaches creative writing at Stanford University. His second novel THE ORPHAN MASTER'S SON won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2013 and was a New York Times bestseller. His short story NIRVANA won the EFG/Sunday Times Best Short Story Award 2014. He lives in San Francisco with his family.

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