A review by marywahlmeierbracciano
Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee

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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