A review by shirleytupperfreeman
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson

I would give this 3.5 stars. I never thought I'd be reading a novel which takes place in North Korea, let alone one by an author who has actually been there. The story is about the life of Jun Do - born and raised in a prison camp. It can be a little confusing (just like living there must be) since some chapters move Jun Do's story along and some chapters give the State version of the story by emulating the loud speaker which tells all the citizens what to believe. The reader gets a real sense of what it must be like to live a lie and to have very little individual identity. On the positive side, some things are redeemed. It's a good, though at times horrific, read.