Hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, post the opening paragraph (or two) of a book you decided to read based on the opening paragraph(s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along. This week my selection is a novel set in modern day North Korea.
Every Tuesday, post the opening paragraph (or two) of a book you decided to read based on the opening paragraph(s). Feel free to grab the banner and play along. This week my selection is a novel set in modern day North Korea.
The Orphan Master's Son
"CITIZENS, gather 'round your loud speakers, for we bring important updates! In your kitchens, in your offices, on your factory floors-wherever your loudspeaker is located, turn up the volume!
In local news, Our Dear Leader King Jong Il was seen offering on-the-spot guidance to the engineers deepening the Taedong Tiver channel. While the Dear Leader lectured to the dredge operators, many dves were seen to spontaneously flock above him, hovering to provide our Reverend General such much needed shade on a hot day. Also to report is a request from Pyongyang's MInister of Public Safety, who asks that while pigeon-snaring season is in full swing, trip wires and snatch loops be placed out of the reach of our youngest comrades. And don't forget, citizens: the ban on stargazing is still in effect."
Adam Johnson spent three years researching material for the story and visited several cities in North Korea.
Does an opening like this appeal to your reading interest?
I've just begun the book and I find it rivetting.
This should be an interesting book, especially now that there is a new, young leader who was educated in Switzerland!
ReplyDeleteI do like that intro, and definitely want to read this book. Hope you enjoy it Sandra, and thanks so much for joining in!
ReplyDeleteThis opening is interesting and I've read great comments and reviews of this book. I hope you enjoy it, Sandra!
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for First Chapter...
This intro has my attention. I have not heard of this book
ReplyDeletei would continue on...I'm curious as to how they live and think in North Korea!
ReplyDeleteI have also not heard of this book but in the present scenario yes I would like to read this.
ReplyDeleteThe book's "flaw," is a confusing structure, and there are a variety of times where I thought it was not serving the story. But - when I got to the end, it all made sense. So you just have to bear with it. I think if you go into it expecting the structure to be a little awkward at times, that will help - it will all come together.
ReplyDelete