Reviews

The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

lilbanne's review

3.0

The Last Story of Mina Lee is about a young Korean woman, Margot, who finds her mother dead in her apartment from an apparent accident. As Margot unravels the truths behind her mothers death, she learns more about her mothers’ past. The story is about self discovery and the dynamics of strained family relationships.

I love 80% of the book and could not put it down. I enjoyed the rich character development and learning about Korean culture. However, the last 10-15% of the book when we learn the truth about Margots mothers’ death and the remainder of the book included strange choices by the author. I found it peculiar that a book that beautifully details Korean culture ended up tainted by American gun fanatics. There were some unsettling choices that spoiled the book for me. Additionally, for a book that was close to 400 pages and was easy to read, but the last few chapters felt rushed, like the author felt the need to tie everything up quickly.

I would have given the book a 4.5/5, unfortunately the ending knocked off some points for me.

lydskelly's review

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad 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

4.5

heidilreads's review

3.0

So, an only child can live only with her mother and never learn the only language her mother speaks?? Yes, that bothered me thru the whole book.

lisasreadinglog's review

5.0

THE LAST STORY OF MINA LEE was incredible. This book is really about belonging: to a new country, to a family, and to one's culture, and to oneself. I loved the imagery and the artistry of Kim's writing. The way she was able to capture feelings and senses had such a human element to it that I felt like I was there. I loved the way the book is written in alternating views between Mina (the mom) and Margot (the daughter). The way the book intertwines these perspectives allows the reader to really understand both Mina and Margot at the same time. This book is about understanding one's identity, about someone who is trying to "fit in" to American culture while being raised in a different one, overt and subtle stabs of racism, and it was amazing to read. I couldn't put it down.

nicole_gaarens's review

adventurous emotional mysterious sad fast-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

4.5

mattrw88's review

2.0

2 Stars

fricka's review

3.0

Audio

amygraver1's review

3.0

I liked this book, I tend to seek out stories about Korean families since reading Pachinko. I enjoyed the close look at a relationship between mother and daughter that aren't super close. I would have liked more of a look at the mother's life and backstory in Korea.

sumsunalli's review

2.0

I found myself pushing through to finish. The storyline could have kept my interest if it were written differently, I think.

I really wanted to love this book as much as everyone else but I just don't see the hype.

Thank you to Harlequin Publishing and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

loveangle's review

4.0

"Perhaps that was the life of any woman like her mother, a woman who was poor and in so many ways powerless but nonetheless persisted like a kind of miracle, a defiance against the world."

A story that is so sad and raw and true and powerful. A story that weaves together all the different strands of a life, and history, into a patchwork that is beautiful and painful. This story made me cry. Because it's a real one that is often buried or ignored. I still live with my mom, and I still take her for granted. This book just made me think a lot of my mom and how much I need to love her better.