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A review by winnimartha
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson
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.