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clairesle's review against another edition
5.0
This book was one of the best reads of my life. I loved how the book transported me to another place and time. The language was colorful, and vividly described each character, rounding them out entirely. There was no character that I felt I couldn't relate to someone in my real life. There were times I had to walk away from the book because it evoked so much emotion... which is usually a pretty good indicator of how much a book means to me! At various times of her life, I could see Sunja reflected in my Poh-Poh, my mum, and myself. I will actually be buying this book because I want a copy of it to love and cherish forever!
wennface's review against another edition
5.0
I literally couldn’t put this book down till I finished it.
MJ Lee is an amazing wordsmith- her tale is so rich and vivid, I wept when her characters wept, I felt the stress they felt, I felt the frustration they felt.
Weaving this amazing historical narrative spanning generations, you get a rich understanding of the ethnic Koreans in Japan despite not being one.
Truly, one of the best books I’ve encountered.
MJ Lee is an amazing wordsmith- her tale is so rich and vivid, I wept when her characters wept, I felt the stress they felt, I felt the frustration they felt.
Weaving this amazing historical narrative spanning generations, you get a rich understanding of the ethnic Koreans in Japan despite not being one.
Truly, one of the best books I’ve encountered.
danaeliz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
this was an emotional ride from start to finish. i’m sure i’ll be thinking about Sunja for years to come
tykagrant's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
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? No
4.25
figsofpeach's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, War, Terminal illness, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Fire/Fire injury, Classism, Violence, Suicide, Racial slurs, Death, Racism, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Miscarriage, Addiction, Pregnancy, Infertility, Alcohol, Infidelity, Abortion, and Cancer
carolineconner's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
cur1z's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Beautifully developed story that captures the essence of being human.
mroderique's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The sneakiest of books: You turn the page and miss these people, you turn the page and realize you've read not about a lineage, but a generation's way through the world
peyton_mae's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
listened to the book on audiobook and it was just a tad confusing to follow but i struggle with names so that isn’t saying much