Raisa answers “Hello, does anyone know how accurate this...”

Katie asked this question about The Orphan Master's Son:

Hello, does anyone know how accurate this book is considered to be in its depiction of North Korea? I'm always curious when someone writes about life in a country that they're not from, but all the more so when it's a country that few have really visited or spent time in.

Raisa To answer the hesitation of some people who do not believe to Adam Johnson's characters and his story line in the book because he did not live in Nort…moreTo answer the hesitation of some people who do not believe to Adam Johnson's characters and his story line in the book because he did not live in North Korea and saw this country only on authorized visit: I emigrated to the US from Russia 23 years ago, so I know what an oppressive regime is like. The North Korean living conditions Adam describes were similar to those in Russia around the time of the 1930s and 1940s. Totalitarian rule is similar is most states, and yes, I believe in author’s intuition, his talent of describing details based only on some knowledge of the facts, because I am personally familiar with these types of conditions. Often times when I read or listen to a long book, I want to stop and switch to read some other story, just because it is too long, even if the book is good. This thought about turning to something else never comes to mind while listening to The Orphan Master's Son. This is very strong writing, very good story, and I absolutely agree with author’s awards for this book.(less)

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The Orphan Master's Son

by Adam Johnson

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