I always walk into award-winning books with apprehension, expecting them to be depressing and disturbing. Why are depressing books more popular is a different topic for another day because my apprehensions and baggage happily melted within the first few pages of the book!
The book tells a story of 5 Korean generations that span across important historic events like Japanese colonization, World War II, the Korean War, post-war crisis, the economic recovery of Japan and South Korea- there is so much material to derive total misery from in the story. Yet the author, just like the protagonists of the book has dealt with all the crisis in such a pragmatic manner, that makes the book actually about hope and strength in trying circumstances.
Throughout the length of the 496 pager book, you are cheering by your fav characters to win, because they show mettle.
The story talks about the delicate Japanese-Korean relationship and the journey and change in perception to where we are now. It helps to understand human nature as individuals as well as when a small part of a larger community.
There are many relatable segments, and mostly pure grit(that makes you wonder what would you have done in the situation-which character would you have been).
The book is everything that makes a good book into good reading.
It gives a good feeling to close the book and see the world in a slightly different way.
Fav Quotes:
“You want to see a very bad man? Make an ordinary man successful beyond his imagination. Let’s see how good he is when he can do whatever he wants.”
“We cannot help but be interested in the stories of people that history pushes aside so thoughtlessly.”
“Patriotism is just an idea, so is capitalism or communism. But ideas can make men forget their own interests. And the guys in charge will exploit men who believe in ideas too much.”
“that a man must learn to forgive — to know what is important, that”
“no matter what, always expect suffering, and just keep working hard.”
“Fill your mind with knowledge — it’s the only kind of power no one can take away from you.
