Min Jin Lee

I was swept into this generational saga by the first page. I felt the waves sprayed across my skin from Yeongdo. I tasted the bitterness of inconsolable grief and regret time and time again. I was constantly worried about Noa, Mozasu and all the other miscellaneous characters in this epic tale of what it means to truly find a home. This book had me shook. NAH! I WAS SHOOKTH! Every character is portrayed in with such nuisances and distinction that it was impossible not to feel anything including someone like Hansu. If that wasn't enough there are also layers upon layers like socioeconomics, gender and politics,spirituality,and the dynamics of group think in a society. It really is a fascinating read, but please take small breaks between chapters to recuperate mentally. Please take that under advisement before any extensive reading. Happy Holidays!… (more)

Beginning in the early 1900s and progressing into the late 198os, this is the story of a Korean family, centering around the character of Sunja, who, because of dire circumstances, moves to Japan and must navigate her way in a country that doesn't seem to want her or others of her kind. As generations pass and relationships evolve, the hope is that Japan will become more accepting of those they consider outsiders. But do things ever really change?

I know that I'm late to the party on this one. I'd been looking forward to this read, as it's garnered a fair amount of hype and good reviews. This book started out strong. It's divided into three parts, and I really enjoyed the first, which tells of Sunja's younger years in Korea and progresses to the point when she leaves her homeland behind. Sunja's story continues into parts 2 and 3, but these focus more on her family -- her children and her children's children. Throughout, there is a strong theme of how the Japanese consider the Korean people inferior. This book educated me, as I really didn't know much at all about the Japanese/Korean relationship. However, I did feel that the book was longer than it needed to be, and I became less engaged as it progressed. Part 1 was really the most well-written, and I felt that it went downhill, to a degree, from there. Not a bad book by any means, but if I'm honest, it didn't quite live up to my high expectations.… (more)