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wordy_zurdy's review against another edition
4.0
A really interesting study of identity and the role pain plays in the formation of our character. Definitely a hard read at points, but worthwhile overall.
jitka_c's review against another edition
5.0
Asi jste si všimli, že 5* většinou nedávám, tady ale nemůžu jinak. Po dočtení nemám slov, natož nějakých výhrad. Drsná, ale naprosto úžasná knížka, kterou budu nějakou dobu cpát úplně všem.
joyceandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Liked it a lot, but I’m quite biased with any story relating to North Korea.
rosalindpoet's review against another edition
4.0
more thorough review forthcoming. why do books do that thing where the format is consistent for the first half, and then changes drastically in the second? i'm not into it. also not into the only gay representation being a horrible rapist and murderer. maybe that was okay in the 70s, but it's not okay nowadays. i'd rather just not have any queers at all.
winnimartha's review against another edition
5.0
Believe the hype - this is a great novel.
Johnson's subject matter is intriguing and makes for a great story. But it's his storytelling and narrative art that set The Orphan Master's Son apart for me.
The first section of the novel is pretty straightforward as it tells the story of Jun Do's life, establishing his character and the rules he must navigate as a citizen of North Korea.
In the second section, which begins as a great shift occurs in Jun Do's life, Johnson begins to play with the narrative structure of the novel. As Jun Do is no longer in sole control of his story or identity, Johnson adds two new voices to the narrative. The novel shifts seamlessly between these voices to depict Jun Do's true story - if objective truth can exist in the North Korea Johnson portrays.
Johnson guides the reader fluidly through the shifting voices, a true sign of his masterful skill as a writer. In a totalitarian state, identity, along with narrative itself, is fluid and subjective. Johnson creates a story that reflects and embodies a world in which something as fundamental as truth can never be pinned down.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Orphan Master's Son. Even if you're not interested in Johnson's narrative creativity, it's an engaging and well-written novel that tells a truly compelling story.
Johnson's subject matter is intriguing and makes for a great story. But it's his storytelling and narrative art that set The Orphan Master's Son apart for me.
The first section of the novel is pretty straightforward as it tells the story of Jun Do's life, establishing his character and the rules he must navigate as a citizen of North Korea.
In the second section, which begins as a great shift occurs in Jun Do's life, Johnson begins to play with the narrative structure of the novel. As Jun Do is no longer in sole control of his story or identity, Johnson adds two new voices to the narrative. The novel shifts seamlessly between these voices to depict Jun Do's true story - if objective truth can exist in the North Korea Johnson portrays.
Johnson guides the reader fluidly through the shifting voices, a true sign of his masterful skill as a writer. In a totalitarian state, identity, along with narrative itself, is fluid and subjective. Johnson creates a story that reflects and embodies a world in which something as fundamental as truth can never be pinned down.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Orphan Master's Son. Even if you're not interested in Johnson's narrative creativity, it's an engaging and well-written novel that tells a truly compelling story.
westonculture's review against another edition
5.0
For me, a great novel takes you to a place that you could never have imagined yourself, tells an original story as it explores big themes of what it means to be human, and forever alters the way you see the world. This is a great novel.
kcolson19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jcoryv's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the main character slightly better than the story itself, and without him I may not have finished the book.
I also found this confusing at points as the story wavered between different realities (does that make sense?).
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, parts of which will stick with me for some time.
bethmara's review against another edition
5.0
More pandemic reading! This is one of my 2020 favs.
The narrator rises and falls so epically and continuously it would be preposterous except for the fact that the North Korean government is so preposterous that the surreal becomes believable.
I try to give my books away to find a good home with friends but I can't quite bring myself to let go of this one.
The narrator rises and falls so epically and continuously it would be preposterous except for the fact that the North Korean government is so preposterous that the surreal becomes believable.
I try to give my books away to find a good home with friends but I can't quite bring myself to let go of this one.
rezdog's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0