From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

The Orphan Master's Son

Adam Johnson

Start date: February 15, 2022

Finish date: March 15, 2022

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

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Group Reads Discussions

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By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 3 posts · 1370 views

last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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last updated Sep 16, 2025 07:57PM

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What Members Thought

Jan 23, 2015 Susan rated it really liked it

This is a novel that keeps you thinking about it during the day even when you aren't reading it, one you won't forget. Life in North Korea is only about survival, and on the rare occasion something good happens, it is credited to their "dear" leader. Even during the famine, people would feel bad for Kim Jong Il because he had the burden of seeing his citizens suffer. Hard to fathom, but apparently they actually do think this way and aren't allowed to have feelings or emotions for themselves, onl ...more

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May 16, 2013 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: korea, audio

A big sweep of a book, but I find it fascinating how Johnson plays with ideas around identity and freedom. It's thought-provoking to consider just how much of what we understand about ourselves comes from outside of us, and Johnson demonstrates that ably by showing how easy it becomes to convince yourself of a nonsense reality when all data that would disrupt it is suppressed. This one's going to stick with me for a while. ...more

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Jul 02, 2021 Ann rated it it was amazing

Despite the harrowing scenes, this was compulsively readable and I caught myself trying to stay awake to read more even though I still had three hours left in the book. The twist starting part 2 clinched it for me. I liked the satirical tone and for once, I didn't get annoyed at the book's requiring a big suspension of disbelief; I felt a touch of magical realism. ...more

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