A review by nabilahs
If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim
3.0
"I remembered our years under Japanese rule. How we were perpetually hungry, how we weren't even allowed to speak our own tongue".
Trigger warning: Adult relationship, suicide, postpartum illness
If You Leave Me is Hana Kim's debut novel, focus on refugee life during Korean War 1951 until 1967. Tells a story of Haemi friendship with Kyunghwan, both are 16 years old. Jealousy hit Kyunghwan when his second cousin, Jisoo fell in love with Haemi.
I was looking forward to the portrait of war and refugee life, but no, all I read is a passionate and love triangle between Haemi, Jisoo, and Kyunghwan.
The story is told from multiple POVs; Haemi, Jisoo, Kyunghwan, Solee (Haemi's daughter), and Hyunki (Haemi's little brother). As the story continues, the historical details become less important.
The female protagonist, Haemi is a dark character. She suffers from the post-partum period even years after she gives birth to daughters when her husband demands a son. Sometimes, my heart breaks for her. She try hard to juggling between her work and looking after her kids.
Jisoo is a jerk, selfish and ungrateful husband. They both have 4 daughters, but his wife is the only one who take care of their kids.
I love Hyunki, Haemi's little brother the most. He is a kind and most considerate character in this book.
The plot is quite messy, jump into another year to the point I just skimming through the last pages.
If you are looking for love triangle romance, this book is for you.
Trigger warning: Adult relationship, suicide, postpartum illness
If You Leave Me is Hana Kim's debut novel, focus on refugee life during Korean War 1951 until 1967. Tells a story of Haemi friendship with Kyunghwan, both are 16 years old. Jealousy hit Kyunghwan when his second cousin, Jisoo fell in love with Haemi.
I was looking forward to the portrait of war and refugee life, but no, all I read is a passionate and love triangle between Haemi, Jisoo, and Kyunghwan.
The story is told from multiple POVs; Haemi, Jisoo, Kyunghwan, Solee (Haemi's daughter), and Hyunki (Haemi's little brother). As the story continues, the historical details become less important.
The female protagonist, Haemi is a dark character. She suffers from the post-partum period even years after she gives birth to daughters when her husband demands a son. Sometimes, my heart breaks for her. She try hard to juggling between her work and looking after her kids.
Jisoo is a jerk, selfish and ungrateful husband. They both have 4 daughters, but his wife is the only one who take care of their kids.
I love Hyunki, Haemi's little brother the most. He is a kind and most considerate character in this book.
The plot is quite messy, jump into another year to the point I just skimming through the last pages.
If you are looking for love triangle romance, this book is for you.