Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson is an American author and professor known for his work in fiction. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his 2012 novel 'The Orphan Master's Son', which is set in North Korea. Johnson's work often explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and he has been recognized for his unique storytelling abilities and deep character development. In addition to his novels, he has also written short stories and teaches creative writing.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel
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.
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2. Fortune Smiles: Stories
"Fortune Smiles: Stories" is a collection of six short stories that delve into love, loss, politics, and technology. The stories take readers across the world, from East Berlin to Louisiana, offering a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Themes explored include the struggle of a former Stasi prison warden in a reunified Germany, a woman dealing with a disease that causes her to compulsively shop, a man trying to help a North Korean defector adjust to new life, and a Louisiana man who cares for his dying non-communicative wife.
