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A review by gloomynomad
The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh
5.0
"The Magical Language of Others" by E.J. Koh is a powerful and poignant memoir that explores the complex relationship between a daughter and her mother. The book is divided into four sections, each of which reveals a different layer of the author's family history and the intergenerational trauma that has shaped her life.
At the heart of the book is Koh's relationship with her mother, who left the family to return to South Korea when Koh was only 15 years old. In order to maintain their connection, Koh and her mother exchanged letters for over a decade, and these letters form the backbone of the book. Through her mother's words, Koh is able to understand her family's history and the struggles that her mother faced as an immigrant in America.
What makes "The Magical Language of Others" such a moving read is Koh's skillful blending of poetry and prose. Koh is a gifted poet, and her use of language is nothing short of breathtaking. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, and she uses metaphor and imagery to convey the emotions that she and her family members feel.
At its core, "The Magical Language of Others" is a meditation on the nature of language and the power that it holds. Koh shows us how language can be both a tool for communication and a barrier to understanding, and how it can be used to heal or to hurt. Her book is a testament to the importance of communication and the deep connection that can exist between people, even across great distances.
Overall, "The Magical Language of Others" is a beautiful and thought-provoking book that is sure to resonate with readers. Koh's writing is exquisite, and her insights into the complexities of family relationships are profound. This is a memoir that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
At the heart of the book is Koh's relationship with her mother, who left the family to return to South Korea when Koh was only 15 years old. In order to maintain their connection, Koh and her mother exchanged letters for over a decade, and these letters form the backbone of the book. Through her mother's words, Koh is able to understand her family's history and the struggles that her mother faced as an immigrant in America.
What makes "The Magical Language of Others" such a moving read is Koh's skillful blending of poetry and prose. Koh is a gifted poet, and her use of language is nothing short of breathtaking. Her writing is lyrical and evocative, and she uses metaphor and imagery to convey the emotions that she and her family members feel.
At its core, "The Magical Language of Others" is a meditation on the nature of language and the power that it holds. Koh shows us how language can be both a tool for communication and a barrier to understanding, and how it can be used to heal or to hurt. Her book is a testament to the importance of communication and the deep connection that can exist between people, even across great distances.
Overall, "The Magical Language of Others" is a beautiful and thought-provoking book that is sure to resonate with readers. Koh's writing is exquisite, and her insights into the complexities of family relationships are profound. This is a memoir that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.