friendofhayley's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a tough but poignant read. I haven't read a story of this time in Korea before, because it hits so close to home, but it was worth it. This was the Korea my mother grew up in. I wonder how many older generations resent Millenials and Gen Z because we don't know the world of their trauma, and have our own thoughts on the world. I will definitely be thinking of this book for years to come.
Part of me wonders if korean mothers are capable of not being abusive, because of circumstances and so much more. Can the cycle ever be broken?
Part of me wonders if korean mothers are capable of not being abusive, because of circumstances and so much more. Can the cycle ever be broken?
hwks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
woolgatherer's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.0
I wasn’t sure what I wanted from this book, but it didn’t really work for me. I wanted to enjoy this book, especially because I was interested in the period this book took place (1950s to 1960s Korea), a tumultuous and transitory time that doesn’t seem to receive as much attention in fiction about Korea. However, I’m not very invested in drama and love triangles, and this book had plenty of drama with its somewhat intense love triangle at the front and center. In some ways, If You Leave Me felt like a book form of a Korean drama.
I think my greatest concern was the incredibly ableist thinking that existed throughout this novel. One reason for this could be that this is reflecting the dominant beliefs about trauma and disability during this time period (which, unfortunately, is still present to this day). However, I think this could be addressed while still empowering and giving agency to the disabled characters in this book (and there are a few!). Most (if not all) of them were just treated as weak or at fault for being disabled. While it wasn’t anything super egregious, the off-handed comments, internalized ableist thoughts, etc. all add up.
I think I do have more thoughts, but these were my main takeaways from the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexism, Violence, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Emotional abuse, War, Ableism, and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism, Police brutality, and Physical abuse
amandadelbrocco's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted so much to love this book as I’ve been wanting to read it for well over a year. Unfortunately it didn’t work out.. It was interesting to read about a different period of history.
karissayoung's review against another edition
5.0
(4.5) This is a really beautiful debut novel. Set in Korea in the 1950s/1960s, it focuses on different perspectives and experiences during the Korean War. Haemi Lee, age sixteen, has limited options and a number of obligations, which pushes her to make practical, logical decisions in her youth. Her decisions made during adolescence set the scene for the longing and regret that persist as the story unfolds.
Told from five different perspectives, I loved that each character's voice is distinct and offers insight into their actions and reactions to all of the events that occur. The scope of the story is ambitious, and Kim executed it very well. The narrative format captured the dramatically changing setting of Korea in the pre- and post-war era.
Overall, If You Leave Me highlighted the challenging domestic roles that women are forced into, and the loss of identity that comes from lack of autonomy in a world where they are chronically undervalued.
Told from five different perspectives, I loved that each character's voice is distinct and offers insight into their actions and reactions to all of the events that occur. The scope of the story is ambitious, and Kim executed it very well. The narrative format captured the dramatically changing setting of Korea in the pre- and post-war era.
Overall, If You Leave Me highlighted the challenging domestic roles that women are forced into, and the loss of identity that comes from lack of autonomy in a world where they are chronically undervalued.
ellareads2's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
readwithmeemz's review against another edition
5.0
I’m an Indigo Employee, & I received an advanced reading copy of this book, from Indigo Books & Music In., in exchange for my honest feedback.
A compelling & painful story of family, friendship & love, in a time of Civil War. Incredibly well written, this story hooks you in, as you follow the lives of multiple characters - across different points in their lives. A vivid portrayal of Korea after the separation, during the Civil War, & through times of political (& personal) unrest - this book will take your breath away. An often painful, and incredibly heartfelt read - the characters are real and flawed and sympathetic and captivating. I really really enjoyed this book, & can’t wait for more from this author! Reminiscent of literary powerhouses like Lisa See, Madeleine Thien, Khalid Hosseini, & Yaa Gyasi - Crystal Hana Kim is a writer to watch!
A compelling & painful story of family, friendship & love, in a time of Civil War. Incredibly well written, this story hooks you in, as you follow the lives of multiple characters - across different points in their lives. A vivid portrayal of Korea after the separation, during the Civil War, & through times of political (& personal) unrest - this book will take your breath away. An often painful, and incredibly heartfelt read - the characters are real and flawed and sympathetic and captivating. I really really enjoyed this book, & can’t wait for more from this author! Reminiscent of literary powerhouses like Lisa See, Madeleine Thien, Khalid Hosseini, & Yaa Gyasi - Crystal Hana Kim is a writer to watch!
booksofjj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The 4.5 rating is an average across the book as there were parts that were higher and parts that were lower. After reading so many books about North Korea during the Korean War and after, it was nice to get a fictional South Korean perspective.
Definitely not an easy/happy read but would recommend highly.
Definitely not an easy/happy read but would recommend highly.