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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
challenging
dark
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, Medical content, Dementia, Lesbophobia
Moderate: Terminal illness, Medical content
Minor: Death, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, Vomit
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"In other words, what worries me isn't death, but life."
This book was truly an emotional experience. The LGBTQIA+ community and East Asian culture are rarely seen intersecting, and that is partly why 'Concerning My Daughter' was such a special read. Written in the perspective of a homophobic older mother, though of course does not align with my personal values, was incredibly interesting and one that is not generally covered. To see the inner turmoil of a mother who simultaneously loves her child, yet hates her for who she is, was quite honestly heart-wrenching. It's easy to assume that someone who opposes their child's sexuality would simply be a fistful of blind rage and ignorance, however Kim Hye-jin illuminated that this isn't always the case. The maternal need, especially that of Asian heritage where the parental role is heavily emphasised as a duty in life, to ensure the security of their child's future was what fuelled the mother's disapproval. Not wanting her daughter to live a life of struggle, a life similar to hers or the elderly patient she cares for. And for that reason, I found myself thinking many a time that should I ever find myself in the terrifying world of motherhood, I ought to return to this book.
Homophobia aside, I saw many similarities in thinking between Green's mother and my own; between her and the other women in my family. East and South Asian morals and perspectives do not seem to differ much; hearing concerns about reputation and 'what would people say?' hit pretty close to home. Being so rooted in cultural values is a common cause of conflict between Asian generations, and to see this being represented was truly touching. It is certainly an important conversation that needs to be had more often; how traditions being challenged is sometimes necessary to progress, rather than refusing to let go and in turn building walls against those who agree and those who do not.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Medical content, Dementia
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
challenging
medium-paced
emotional
reflective