The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson

On Thursday, June 12, four of us met up at Cru Food and Wine Bar at the Domain in Austin for a delicious lunch.  We had a private dining area reserved just for us, although for the majority of the two hours we were there, we had the entire restaurant to ourselves.

After much discusion regarding each of our various summer plans, we all were in agreement that this would be a good time to take a hiatus with the intent to return to our meeting together in September.

Synopsis:

This book is divided into two parts.  In the first half of the story, Jun Do is introduced and we learn that he is raised in a state orphanage in North Korea.  He serves the state as a loyal citizen which includes him performing horrific acts including kidnappings.  As part of a diplomatic delegation, he travels to America.  His mission is viewed as a failure and results in his imprisonment.  During the second half of the book, Jun Do assumes the identity of Commander Ga which includes being the husband to the actress Sun Moon.  Commander Ga will be chosen by the Dear Leader to work with the Americans and it is through that assignment that Jun Do/Commander Ga puts a plan into action.

Comments:

Everyone agreed that this was a great story and was was well-written by a great storyteller.  However, the majority of us found the story to be too depressing.  It certainly could not in our terms be called a pleasant read.  We agreed with the author's own categorical designation of his novel: a trauma narrative.  This story highlights the appalling conditions in North Korea.  The inhumanity of mankind was shown to have no limits.  It is difficult to read about the oppression and manipulation of an entire population of Korean citizens.

Jun Do is representative of the comman man in Korea -- the Korean version of John Doe -- and the struggles to survive in this politically and culturally repressed society.

There were a few comedic moments woven into this novel.  The one which our group laughed about was the shock and disgust in which the delegates relayed their experiences with the Americans, particularly their trip to Texas and how we treat our canine pets. 

Memorable Quote:

Dr. Song--"Where we are from," he said, "stories are factual.  If a farmer is declared a music virtuoso by the state, everyone had better start calling him maestro.  And secretly, he'd be wise to start practicing the piano.  For us, the story is more important than the person.  If a man and his story are in the conflict, it is the man who must change." (p. 121 - Kindle)

"A name isn't a person," Ga said. "Don't ever remember someone by their name.  To keep someone alive, you put them inside you, you put their face on your heart.  Then, no matter where you are, they're always with you because they're a part of you." (p. 379 - Kindle)

FAB Rating: **** (4 out of 5 stars)

Although very difficult to read at times, the writing was excellent and the story compelling.