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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
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.
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.
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
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Child death, Racial slurs, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Infidelity, Violence, and Car accident
Minor: Gun violence
abbie_'s review
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This book is very rich and Lee is in no rush to tell the story of Henry Park. It's an introspective story and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who gets frustrated with a slow-moving plot mainly carried along by character development. But to anyone interested in themes of immigration, assimilation (and why that shouldn't be the ideal), and identity then consider this one.
.
Henry Park has spent his entire life trying to be an American. But while this ideal eludes him, he also finds himself drifting further away from his Korean heritage too. Henry is forced to confront his own identity head on when he's assigned to spy on an up-and-coming Korean politician in New York.
.
I found myself incredibly wrapped up in Henry's own head by the end of this book, Lee does such a wonderful job of bringing this character to life. I was surprised when I checked to see when this book was first published - 1995! It reads like a more modern novel than its 25 years. Like in Your House Will Pay which I read in February, there's a focus on the tensions between Korean and Black communities. I'm not sure it's specifically mentioned what year it is, but if it's in the 90s then it's either leading up to or in the aftermath of the LA Riots.
.
Although John Kwang, the politician Henry infiltrates, is fictional, Lee writes him very convincingly. At one point, Kwang's office is vandalised and the press want him to make a statement, but as Kwang points out: '[they] want him to make a statement about colour. The more racial strife they can report, the more the public questions what good any of this diversity brings. The underlying sense of what's presented these days is that this country has difference that ails rather than strengthens and enriches. [...] the public may begin viewing anything outside mainstream experience and culture to be threatening and dangerous.'
.
It's awful that it's 25 years later and that statement could have been written about last week, if anything the media has gotten worse with its fear-mongering and desire to divide. This book feels more relevant than ever.
.
Henry Park has spent his entire life trying to be an American. But while this ideal eludes him, he also finds himself drifting further away from his Korean heritage too. Henry is forced to confront his own identity head on when he's assigned to spy on an up-and-coming Korean politician in New York.
.
I found myself incredibly wrapped up in Henry's own head by the end of this book, Lee does such a wonderful job of bringing this character to life. I was surprised when I checked to see when this book was first published - 1995! It reads like a more modern novel than its 25 years. Like in Your House Will Pay which I read in February, there's a focus on the tensions between Korean and Black communities. I'm not sure it's specifically mentioned what year it is, but if it's in the 90s then it's either leading up to or in the aftermath of the LA Riots.
.
Although John Kwang, the politician Henry infiltrates, is fictional, Lee writes him very convincingly. At one point, Kwang's office is vandalised and the press want him to make a statement, but as Kwang points out: '[they] want him to make a statement about colour. The more racial strife they can report, the more the public questions what good any of this diversity brings. The underlying sense of what's presented these days is that this country has difference that ails rather than strengthens and enriches. [...] the public may begin viewing anything outside mainstream experience and culture to be threatening and dangerous.'
.
It's awful that it's 25 years later and that statement could have been written about last week, if anything the media has gotten worse with its fear-mongering and desire to divide. This book feels more relevant than ever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
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