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ingygamaly's review
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
was a good audiobook to go through in my spare time but I wasn't captivated to listen to it all the time
sarah_sunshine9's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
thebookishnarwhal's review against another edition
5.0
Prepare to be captivated by Kim's latest work. Dive into this gorgeously crafted duo-timeline tale, What We Kept to Ourselves by Nancy Jooyoun Kim, and explore the threads that bind us across time and circumstance.
The story revolves around the Kim family, whose lives are forever altered by the mysterious disappearance of their mother, Sunny. In this timely and surprising novel, we get into themes that are right up my alley. We get into immigration, identity, love, and loss.
The narrative unfolds across two distinct timelines, 1977 and 1999. In 1999, the Kim family grapples with the aftermath of Sunny's vanishing. John Kim is 61 years young and is estranged from his grown children. He discovers a stranger's body in their backyard. Clutched in the stranger's hand is a letter addressed to Sunny, raising more questions about her past.
It’s 1977 and Sunny is pregnant, newly arrived in Los Angeles from Korea, and faces disillusionment. Her dreams of America collide with the harsh reality of loneliness and isolation. A chance encounter at a bus stop connects her fate with that of the stranger from the future.
As secrets unravel, the search for answers becomes a journey of self-discovery, migration, and the pursuit of home. Kim's writing is both riveting and emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of family bonds and the weight of unspoken histories.
This is a powerful meditation on the human spirit, set against the backdrop of shifting identities and dreams in America. Whether you're drawn to mystery, historical fiction, or family sagas, this novel promises an unforgettable reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story revolves around the Kim family, whose lives are forever altered by the mysterious disappearance of their mother, Sunny. In this timely and surprising novel, we get into themes that are right up my alley. We get into immigration, identity, love, and loss.
The narrative unfolds across two distinct timelines, 1977 and 1999. In 1999, the Kim family grapples with the aftermath of Sunny's vanishing. John Kim is 61 years young and is estranged from his grown children. He discovers a stranger's body in their backyard. Clutched in the stranger's hand is a letter addressed to Sunny, raising more questions about her past.
It’s 1977 and Sunny is pregnant, newly arrived in Los Angeles from Korea, and faces disillusionment. Her dreams of America collide with the harsh reality of loneliness and isolation. A chance encounter at a bus stop connects her fate with that of the stranger from the future.
As secrets unravel, the search for answers becomes a journey of self-discovery, migration, and the pursuit of home. Kim's writing is both riveting and emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of family bonds and the weight of unspoken histories.
This is a powerful meditation on the human spirit, set against the backdrop of shifting identities and dreams in America. Whether you're drawn to mystery, historical fiction, or family sagas, this novel promises an unforgettable reading experience.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
goldensolace's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
jansbookcorner's review
2.0
I used the CAWPILE method to rate this and while this book hits on the right atmosphere and the writing is lyrical, to me it fell down in most of the other areas. The book moved slowly. I felt as if there were some things that I was reading over and over again - not the plot per se but the message the author wanted to get across. At times I felt that was overshadowing the story, while the story in itself could present that message. The development of the characters was a mixed bag to me. Sunny was an easy character to get a feel for, while John stayed elusive. Perhaps that was on purpose to portray how he was to Sunny, but I wanted to know more about him. Another book that hits the mark with many readers, but not me.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Goodreads for my copy of this book.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster and Goodreads for my copy of this book.
llothspeich's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75