Reviews tagging 'Child death'

Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee

5 reviews

lanid's review

dark mysterious reflective

• 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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Child death

Minor: Bullying and Domestic abuse

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. 

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Content Warnings

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.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism

Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Cancer, and Child death

Minor: War, Violence, Infidelity, and Murder

nikkiacat's review

emotional reflective sad 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Racism, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, and Racial slurs

mcomp's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Child death, Racial slurs, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Infidelity, Violence, and Car accident

Minor: Gun violence