A review by hickorynut
When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park

challenging emotional informative 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

4.25

This was a soberingly complex look at life for a family in Korea living under Japanese occupation during WW2. It follows Sun-hee, given the Japanese name Keoko, and her brother Tae-Yul, given the Japanese name Nobuo. It begins when they are young and witness as the shift of Japanese occupation takes over their lives and culture, demanding their names, trees, crops, materials, personal items, language, and eventually their service. As they both grow, they grapple with the loss of their Korean identities while being raised assimilated in Japanese culture. As the war continues and ultimately ends, they both find their own ways of honoring their family and heritage.

This was very well written with impactful emotional moments and a plethora of valuable historical information and perspectives.