One Thousand Chestnut Trees

Seriously my friends this was one exquisite read. I'm in mourning that it's over.

One Thousand Chestnut Trees is beautifully written, ornately so with rich detailed characters, and it is deeply insightful. If you know me well, you'll know that over the past few years I've immersed myself in Asian literature and that I'm particularly keen on reading everything and anything I can about the separation of Korea. l naively thought I had a good understanding but in this one little novel I was left with a fuller picture not only of what turmoil Koreans have experienced this century but also of what defines Koreanness. Stout manages to show us this while weaving a personal family story throughout. A powerful combination of memoir and fiction show more :)

I would recommend this book wholeheartedly show less

One Thousand Chestnut Trees, Korean/American writer Mira Stout’s first novel, is semi-autobiographical and tells the story of a young New York artist, Anna, tracing her Korean roots. It is a stirring tale, told by Anna, her mother and her grandfather and combines Korea's epic history with a family legacy and a personal exploration. It was nominated for the IMPAC award, first runner up for the Shiva Naipaul Award and chosen for the New York Public Library 'Books for the New Year'. I was woefully ignorant of Korea, her history and her peoples before I read this book. I found the book enlightening and moving. The story is told stylishly and with great skill. Engrossing and educational: a great read!

The book successfully reviewed how dangerous it was to live during the multiple war times in Korea. It was difficult to engage with the writing style though the topic is interesting and the experiences of individuals going through such difficult times should be acknowledged.

Any history of Korea is tragic, violent and sad. This family account is very moving. The ending was a disappointing anticlimax, as it was for her.

A "mixed breed" artist in NYC finds her roots during a visit home to Korea. Includes pov of mother, father and daughter. Mother from yangban family, high and rich with royal connections. Heavy history forced into narrative, sometimes biased especially as more contemporary war issues arise.

Could only get through a few chapters. The writing doesn’t connect, and I can’t see a plot.