Reviews

The Evening Hero by Marie Myung-Ok Lee

Only show reviews with written explanations

aksharakannan's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

stilljennifer's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

3.5 rounded up. There was so much I loved about this book, particularly the flashback to the protagonist's youth in Korea, but what kept this from being a 5-star book was the unevenness of tone in places. While I understand the author likely wanted to throw in some levity, I thought some of the more farcical ideas (the medispa situation, for instance) really clashed with the seriousness of the rest of the novel. I really felt that whole section took me out of the story and I didn't really get into it until after that was over. I'm all for a bit of lightheartedness and even flippant social commentary, but I prefer it to be made in a linear way, whereas this flip-flopped between frivolous and heartbreaking.

That being said, it was a very good read in places, and another one I imagine will end up on many Best Of lists by the end of the year and into 2023. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

booksintheirnaturalhabitat's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The Evening Hero is a well-woven exploration of family dynamics, immigration, class and healthcare issues. I really appreciated how history-rich the two timelines were. Learning about Yungman’s experience growing up in Korea provided so much insight into his reactions and why he became a doctor.

This is one of the more difficult reviews I’ve written, mainly because this book dives all the way in on some really relatable and complex issues. It’s one of those books that gives a clear picture of other viewpoints and really makes you think. In fact, I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Really the most striking for me was both the evolution of healthcare while there being a big gap between basic care (like baby deliveries) versus those who nonchalantly do elective boutique procedures. The divide is so vast. It’s also concerning that hospitals are doing, in some cases, unnecessary procedures just to generate more money.

Overall, The Evening Hero is a really impactful exploration of so many issues that it’s sure to stick with you and really challenge your own perspectives.

A big thank you to @getredprbooks @simonandschuster and @mariemyungoklee for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my own opinion.

bthnywhthd's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

This is a book with all the ingredients that I like in a novel however, the measurements were really off leaving a confusing blah read. The characters fell flat, there was way too much going on, and it was just so uneven. I couldn't get over the absolute confusion over Minnesota geography (they live 50 miles from the Canadian border, but go to church and a job at the Mall of America almost 300 miles away?!), which made me question other parts of the story. I did learn things about Korean history, but overall this was a disappointing read.

dream_write_read's review against another edition

Go to review page

DNF @ 15%

I think that this would be a very good book and I may pick it up as an audiobook. I personally can not get through character-driven books very often without audiobooks. I am interested in the characters and hope that an audiobook is made for this! I need to put it down though or I end up in a reading slump.