The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel by Adam Johnson

This novel follows the life of Pak Jun Do, a man who rises from humble beginnings as an orphan in North Korea to a high-ranking official in Kim Jong-Il's government. The narrative provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of living under a totalitarian regime, as Jun Do navigates a world of propaganda, forced labor, and political prison camps. His journey takes a turn when he becomes involved in a diplomatic mission, falls in love with a famous actress, and is forced to assume the identity of a rival commander. This leads him into a dangerous game of deception and survival, providing a chilling and engrossing exploration of identity, love, and the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

The 6235th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 147

Since this book was first published in 2012, there is a penalty of 60.8%. The age adjusted score is 57.62.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.