Pulitz Prize '13 - The Orphan Master's Son

Adam Johnson's novel, The Orphan Master's Son, is this year's Pulitz. Prize winner.  It is a gripping and relentless look at life in N. Korean under the terrifying, sequestered reign of Sun Young II.  Torture, starvation, forced labor & constant fear and forced labor typify life in N. Korea. The people of N. Korea are coereced into tortuing & kidnapping each other.  Adam Johnson, an American author, who is reknowned for contesting propoganda on all fronts.  Here he writes a very disturbing and complex novel.  He utilizes the narrative of 3 voices, Jon Do, Commander Ga and Jon Do as the "replaced" Commander Ga.  Human life in N. Korea holds no significance.  A person's life/history is subject to rewriting or dismissal.  The novel exposes the dangers of propoganda & brainwashing.  Despite the oppressive life in N. Korea, Johnson also explores the depth of love & sacrifice.  English speaking Jon Do, is sent to the U.S. as an interpreter on a detente mission.  The biting irony of looking at the U.S. from the viewpoint of N. Koreans is also a clever stab at propaganda.  This is an intelligent & demanding novel that is richly rewarding.  It has received many literary awards in addition to the Pulitz.; the Nat'l Book Circle '12. The Orphan Master's Son is an important work of artistry that I recommend everyone should read.  I speak the truth, not propaganda.