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izywithonez's review against another edition
3.0
I thought it was a very interesting book, and the dynamics between all of the characters were super interesting. However I didn’t find it to be incredible. I don’t have much to say as so much happened in the book. I did really enjoy Kwang’s downfall, as it was very realistic to that of a true American politician. Additionally, I really enjoyed the rekindling of Lelia and Henry’s love. I believe it provided an unexpected, but positive ending to a generally depressing book.
ironlungal805's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
melodys_library's review against another edition
1.0
I picked this off of my own shelf at home, asking myself, I own this book for a reason...right? Around the time the main character, Henry Park, began describing his childhood, I remembered why: I thought the main character would be relatable. An Asian-American struggling with identity in America due to strict Asian upbringing...Sounds relatable to me!
Sadly, Henry Park was not just un-relatable, but altogether uninteresting. I kept waiting for the many themes - family tragedy and trauma, immigrant alienation, political scandal - to converge and make a point, but they just didn’t. The climax didn’t happen until way late, and the fallout was just as blah and unmoving as Henry himself. Some reviewers compared this book to Ellison’s novel, hailing it as the Asian Invisible Man, and all I have to say to that is: How dare they?
Sadly, Henry Park was not just un-relatable, but altogether uninteresting. I kept waiting for the many themes - family tragedy and trauma, immigrant alienation, political scandal - to converge and make a point, but they just didn’t. The climax didn’t happen until way late, and the fallout was just as blah and unmoving as Henry himself. Some reviewers compared this book to Ellison’s novel, hailing it as the Asian Invisible Man, and all I have to say to that is: How dare they?
beethebooknerd's review against another edition
I’m just bored and not really paying attention. Not in the right frame of mind for this book at this time.
avidreadr's review against another edition
5.0
Chang-Rae Lee is an excellent author, it’s no surprise I really enjoyed reading his debut novel. I thought some of the pace / plotting wasn’t as strong as his other books but that is of course to be expected with a first novel. Many elements brought to mind his novel A Year Abroad.
A pretty dark read, though there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel.
A pretty dark read, though there is a slight light at the end of the tunnel.
aclaret's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
hillaryreadseverything's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
arimhan's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
ergospring's review against another edition
i loved it
my dad flexed on me that he met him in 1997
my dad flexed on me that he met him in 1997