A review by karissayoung
If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim
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.