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Cover of Friend
Literary Fiction· North Korea

Friend

by Paek Nam-nyong
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1988Korean
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About This Book

Paek Nam-nyong's Friend (1988) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Friend is a novel that explores the complexities of marriage and personal relationships within the context of North Korean society. Written by Paek Nam-nyong, the book delves into the lives of a couple on the brink of divorce, offering insights into the societal pressures and personal struggles faced by individuals. It is notable for its humanistic approach and its ability to transcend cultural barriers, making it accessible to international readers. Themes of marriage, personal struggle, societal pressure run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPaek Nam-nyong
Published1988
Country of Origin🇰🇵 North Korea
LanguageKorean
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780231195614
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇵 North Korea

This book is part of North Korea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from North Korea →

Editorial Assessment

Paek Nam-nyong published Friend in 1988, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from North Korea. The book's treatment of marriage, personal struggle, societal pressure, love accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to Friend for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of marriage, personal struggle, societal pressure, love is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Friend reflects Paek Nam-nyong's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with North Korea's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

The New Yorker
notable · global
20200
✍️
About the Author
Paek Nam-nyong
North Korea
View Author →

Paek Nam-nyong is a North Korea author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Friend about?

Friend is a novel that explores the complexities of marriage and personal relationships within the context of North Korean society. Written by Paek Nam-nyong, the book delves into the lives of a couple on the brink of divorce, offering insights into the societal pressures and personal struggles faced by individuals. It is notable for its humanistic approach and its ability to transcend cultural barriers, making it accessible to international readers.

Who wrote Friend?

Friend was written by Paek Nam-nyong, from North Korea. First published in 1988.

What awards has Friend won?

Friend has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Friend worth reading?

Friend is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in marriage, personal struggle, societal pressure.

Where can I buy Friend?

You can buy Friend on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Friend?

Friend is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Friend from?

Friend originates from North Korea's literary tradition. Explore more books from North Korea on our country page.

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