The Ginseng Hunter by Jeff Talarigo

"The Ginseng Hunter" by Jeff Talarigo. This book is published by Grijalbo Mondadori Sa in 2014 and has 234 pages.

This is a story of a Ginseng hunter, who lives on the bank of Tumen river that divides China and North Korea. The only work he knows is hunting for Ginseng root and the only pleasure he knows is the visit to brothel in the city of Yanji, once a month. One day he meets a prostitute, at the brothel who has run away from North Korea and slowly falls in love with her. Through her he understands the situation across the border. This book is a portrait of what happens in the lives of the hunter and the prostitute, memories of hunter and memories of prostitute .

Will the Ginseng hunter marry the prostitute?. Will he take her home? What's in her past? Would she like to go back to Korea? Will the hunter get the Ginseng root of his life? Is being so close to North Korea hazardous?

Author has presented a beautiful story. It is a subtle noir. Hunter's feelings for the prostitute are portrayed delicately. On one hand he wants her but on other hand he is happy with his solitary life and Ginseng hunting. Eventually he finds the purpose in life and marriage in the form of a little North Korean girl, but can he?

It's a story of love, empathy, survival and Ginseng hunting with the backdrop of changes in China with the rise of Mao and communism and with the backdrop of miserable life in North Korea and atrocities heaped by the government on North Korean citizens.

A Ginseng (अश्वगंधा) route is very precious. It is interesting to know that it has two legs and beard (Interested? See the images on internet). It is excavated with great care to avoid damaging it. The shovel used for excavation is made of bone as it is said that Ginseng is afraid of metal. The person who finds Ginseng routes is called hunter. Finding Ginseng is much like a hunt.

The story is concise and gripping. One can not help feeling sad for the North Korean citizens and appreciate what the hunter does. Though the introduction of the soldier towards the end seemed unnecessary.

A very good book. Recommend reading.