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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Although I was engrossed while reading, it left me with little to reflect upon at the end. Some vignettes were very compelling, especially those between the main character and her parents. The story felt split between too many characters, and character development felt too minimal for such a long book. In my view, the chapters moved too fast with too much time in between, and not enough focus on internal reflection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Addiction
Free Food for Millionaires explores the complex messy relationships that surround our lives, from romantic partners, business partners, friendships, mentors, siblings and societal orbits. Set against them as a backdrop, the struggle of Korean-American immigrants seeking to achieve the promised American Dream for themselves or their children in a world of monetary and social wealth.
As always, Lee's prose is easy to slip into and to engage with over the 500+ page book and she does not shy away from having critically flawed and fundamentally unlikable characters. Casey Han is not a likable protagonist, we see her flaws from the start but we get to see her vulnerable and in the lowest moments of her life. I felt sorry for her but truly wanted to see her do well and liked her stubbornness. I liked that Lee doesn't shy away from messy complicated relationships although at a certain point, you wonder how many affairs can be crammed into a single book.
As always, Lee's prose is easy to slip into and to engage with over the 500+ page book and she does not shy away from having critically flawed and fundamentally unlikable characters. Casey Han is not a likable protagonist, we see her flaws from the start but we get to see her vulnerable and in the lowest moments of her life. I felt sorry for her but truly wanted to see her do well and liked her stubbornness. I liked that Lee doesn't shy away from messy complicated relationships although at a certain point, you wonder how many affairs can be crammed into a single book.
4.5! i definitely loved pachinko more but i can’t help but love a family saga
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-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
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
I love Min Jin Lee, such convincing characters and she manages to include so many characters and perspectives but keep you invested. After spending so much time with them though I did want more from the ending.
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I picked this one up on a whim and read the reviews only after I was done. I think the Kirkus review summarized it perfectly: "Fitfully entertaining but not extraordinary."
I was drawn into the world of the characters almost instantly. However, some relationships and character arcs were predictable right from the moment they were introduced -- could be just me though. The novel kept me engrossed and I don't think I will forget Casey Han in a hurry but overall it was not something that moved me. Recommended for a select group of readers who enjoy sprawling Victorian style dramas.
PS. Although the novel is set in New York, and the author tries to make it a character, somehow for me the city did not feel like a character unlike in say [b:Passing|57640287|Passing|Nella Larsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1636384216l/57640287._SY75_.jpg|2369306] or [b:A Little Life|22822858|A Little Life|Hanya Yanagihara|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1446469353l/22822858._SY75_.jpg|42375710] or the more frivolous [b:Rules of Civility|10054335|Rules of Civility|Amor Towles|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1311705045l/10054335._SY75_.jpg|14950407].
I was drawn into the world of the characters almost instantly. However, some relationships and character arcs were predictable right from the moment they were introduced -- could be just me though. The novel kept me engrossed and I don't think I will forget Casey Han in a hurry but overall it was not something that moved me. Recommended for a select group of readers who enjoy sprawling Victorian style dramas.
PS. Although the novel is set in New York, and the author tries to make it a character, somehow for me the city did not feel like a character unlike in say [b:Passing|57640287|Passing|Nella Larsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1636384216l/57640287._SY75_.jpg|2369306] or [b:A Little Life|22822858|A Little Life|Hanya Yanagihara|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1446469353l/22822858._SY75_.jpg|42375710] or the more frivolous [b:Rules of Civility|10054335|Rules of Civility|Amor Towles|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1311705045l/10054335._SY75_.jpg|14950407].
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated