A review by lingfish7
In Limbo by Deb JJ Lee

dark emotional sad fast-paced

4.0

đź“–A beautifully illustrated graphic memoir about growing up the daughter of a Korean immigrant family. I personally love hearing stories about the Asian experience because 1) I am part Asian and 2) it’s often overlooked in light of racism against blacks. The “model minority” stereotype has done a lot of harm to Asians. Assuming every Asian person is Chinese is also hurtful. This book was powerfully written, because it showcases the constant feelings of being in between. Not fully Korean and not fully American; feeling othered and like an outcast in both cultures. In other words, “in limbo.” 
 
⚠️TW: suicide attempts, self-harm, domestic violence and abuse, racism 
 
This book covers the author’s life from freshman year of high school up through graduation. It contains flashbacks to middle school or early years. The author has a tumultuous relationship with her Korean mother, whose expectations are unrealistic and arbitrary. Her mother sometimes becomes violent and harmful. There is a constant theme of how society perceives mental illness. Deb’s mother perceives it as shame for the family and something to blame on the victim. The culture at Deb’s high school views mental illness as something to gossip about. There is not a single time (besides in therapy) where Deb actually has someone reach out to her in her pain and hurting, free of judgment and shame. 
 
In Limbo is heartbreaking and hopeful, showcasing the unique experience of being a Korean immigrant as well as what it’s like to deal with mental illness and suicidal thoughts in the midst of that feeling of “otherness.” This book took me about an hour or two to read, and I found myself immersed in both the drawings and the story. 
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