sephranix's review
5.0
I read this book in bursts, because I really did not want it to end. This was a really well-written, engrossing story told from multiple points of view over the same periods of time. I felt for Haemi all through this novel. She made choices to put her family's well-being before her own happiness, but tried to take some joy in her daughters, even though she never really got the happiness she was looking for.
Overall, definitely read this book.
Spoiler
One of the things that really struck me about this novel was its portrayal of Haemi's mental health. She clearly suffered from postpartum depression in a time when she was expected to "just deal with it." Jisoo even says at one point that it's her burden as a mother and he has no sympathy for her. I also felt like Haemi loved her daughters, but she didn't really want to be a mother. She became a mother in an effort to love her husband and form her family, but I never really got the feeling that it was what she wanted.Overall, definitely read this book.
neverenoughbooksorcoffee's review against another edition
3.5
Beautiful writing, but a little slower than I like
aekua's review
5.0
A heartbreaking, achingly beautiful story of entangled love in a time of war, political instability, and uncertainty. It will pull at your heartstrings
hokiejo's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to love this. But, I just couldn't get through it.
elchiang78's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.5
mindlessmartyrr's review
3.0
I just couldn’t get into this book. I tried, but I don’t think the story really called to me. The book is well written. I just don’t know enough about the time period during and after the Korean War to appreciate the complexity of this debut novel. It’s my fault for not liking the book.
genizah's review against another edition
3.0
I kept going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. It's well-executed, but I feel like I've read this story so many times set in different milieus.