The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)

Pak Jun Do is the son of a lost mother—a singer brought to Pyongyang—and a father who runs a work camp for orphans. Recognized by North Korean state officials for his loyalty and instincts, Jun Do rises through the ranks to become a professional kidnapper. He navigates the shifting rules, arbitrary violence, and demands of his superiors to survive. Driven to his limits, he takes on a dangerous role as rival to Kim Jong Il in an attempt to save Sun Moon, a legendary actress he loves. The novel combines elements of thriller, coming-of-age narrative, and romance while portraying North Korea as a world marked by hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty, but also camaraderie, moments of beauty, and love. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the book was named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications including The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. It was also a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.