Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
This book made me want to call my mother everyday as well as think of her in a variety of (positive) ways. The narrative from 4 different people, one being the mother herself is engaging and thoughtful. I loved the added layer of Korean culture and not only would recommend this book to others but look forward to seeing other English translations of the author's work.
Told from multiple perspectives, this provides a solid wake-up call to remind us that we often do not "see" the people who are closest to us, those we take for granted. Only after a woman disappears does a husband and their four adult children face issues in their family and in their past. This is one of those books that aches. So much loss, missed love, poverty, illiteracy, and more set in the midst of a changing country, South Korea. This story could and almost certainly does occur in any country in the world. What will a woman give for her family? You'll have to read this deserving novel to find out.
I thought the portrayal of Korean society, and the different expectations and experiences of the different generations, was interesting. And there were a couple of poignant lines about how various family members didn't really see the mother until she was gone. But overall, I wanted more plot, and more characterization.
I assumed a book about a missing mother would’ve hit me differently but surprisingly it didn’t. I’ve always had a close relationship with my mom and the main thesis of the book (realizing your mother is actually a person and not just a mom) didn’t feel relevant for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen my mother as an individual for a very long time now, at least since I was a preteen.
Other than that, the story was an interesting look into the patriarchal Korean society where women are meant to take care of every household chore, from raising the children to cooking and cleaning. I hope the book made waves when it was first published in Korean.
Other than that, the story was an interesting look into the patriarchal Korean society where women are meant to take care of every household chore, from raising the children to cooking and cleaning. I hope the book made waves when it was first published in Korean.
i've cried myself to sleep after reading this for the last three days. it should have been obvious to me, but from now on, whenever i think i lead such a loveless life, i will think of mom and the biggest, most genuine love she has for me (how could i forget about this??). whenever i feel like i have no outlet for the love stuck in my heart, i will think of her and of many ways to thank her for having loved me selflessly. so many thoughts, so many emotions, i wish she lives with me forever so i can give back to her everything she has given me.
I don't think I would necessarily recommend this book BUT I would have to say the readers of the audio version were quite captivating. I lost it during the father's section.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
this was like my first attempt at getting back into reading after a while of not reading one..i mean like a REALLY LONG WHILE OF NOT READING ONE. and i actually enjoyed it..i thought the 272 pages might be a bit overwhelming (at least for a new reader) but it rlly gives you a moral lesson: to appreciate your mom for who she is. her strengths and flaws together shape the person she is, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about her. rlly liked the 4 person pov concept esp the brother’s pov and the letter towards the end.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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:
No