Friend - (Weatherhead Books on Asia) by Nam-Nyong Paek

The Friend by Paek Nam-nyong is a gripping tale of marital intrigue, abuse, and divorce in North Korea.

This groundbreaking translation offers English-language readers a page-turner full of psychological tension as well as a revealing portrait of a society that is typically seen as closed to the outside world.

The novel delves into its protagonists' past, describing how the couple first fell in love and then how their marriage deteriorated over the years.

It chronicles the toll their acrimony takes on their son and their careers alongside the story of the judge's own marital troubles.

This best-seller in North Korea offers a unique perspective on life in the DPRK, illuminating the everyday problems faced by ordinary people such as marital woes and workplace conflicts.

With complex characters who wrestle with universal questions of individual identity, the split between public and private selves, and the unpredictability of existence, The Friend is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining insight into the lives of North Koreans.