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kutreen's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I was amazed by how skillfully the characters and plot elements were designed and intertwined to bring out different reflections from the main character on his pseudo-American identity. I think this will resonate deeply with any child of immigrants or person who immigrated as a child who has felt like an outsider even in their "native" country. Lee captures many of the thoughts and feelings I've had throughout my life that I hadn't even realized were related to my family's immigrant status but which I now realize affect much of the way I perceive and interact with others. I will be sure to check out his other novels.
Moderate: Death of parent and Child death
Minor: Racial slurs, Infidelity, Cancer, Car accident, Racism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
marywahlmeierbracciano's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Henry Park is a second-generation Korean American. A spy for a private firm, he is tasked with infiltrating the campaign of a New York City politician who is also Korean American, ultimately requiring that he betray one of his own. Between updates on his assignment, Park reflects on his turbulent relationship with his now-deceased father and paints a portrait of his interracial marriage—broken, traumatized, then miraculously stitched back together again. Chang-rae Lee’s thoughtful, elegant prose touches on grief, identity, morality, and assimilation. Though it was first published in 1995, this story would not be much different if it were told today.
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Cancer, and Child death
Minor: War, Violence, Infidelity, and Murder
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