THE GINSENG HUNTER

A lonely ginseng hunter living near the China-North Korea border befriends a North Korean prostitute during his monthly visits to town. As he learns about her life, he becomes aware of the repression that the North Koreans face and becomes involved in the lives of several refugees. Jason Ma reads with a gentle, poetic voice that lends grace to the novel's blend of memories, experiences, and lessons in nature. Ma’s voice populates the novel with subtle yet distinct characterizations. Talarigo's story is sad yet fascinating as it reveals aspects of Chinese tradition and current headlines through the unhappy lives of its characters, creating an unforgettable portrait of contemporary life near the Tumen River. J.A.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]