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lkjones19's review against another edition
emotional
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
5.0
mltillery99's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Lisa See has done it again. I want to read everything she writes.
Nobody has ever made me want to pick up a history book like Lisa See - even my best friend who is a history teacher and anthropologist/archaeologist. Her writing style captivates me and leaves me wanting to dive deeper. Hearing history told from a female perspective is so refreshing.
I enjoyed how the narrative weaved together past and present, introducing a new perspective in the chapters set in 2008. The dual timeline enriches the story.
The friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja is raw, complex, and beautifully portrayed. A quote from Mi-ja in the chapter "The Ring of Fire," stuck with me: “Many people when they envision being faced with hardship believe they will fight back, but when I was a child and had to live with aunt and uncle, I learned what really happens … by the time I wanted to fight back, I was too weak.” This powerful reflection on resilience and vulnerability is a testament to See's ability to convey profound truths through her characters.
I’m giddy to read more from this author!!!
Nobody has ever made me want to pick up a history book like Lisa See - even my best friend who is a history teacher and anthropologist/archaeologist. Her writing style captivates me and leaves me wanting to dive deeper. Hearing history told from a female perspective is so refreshing.
I enjoyed how the narrative weaved together past and present, introducing a new perspective in the chapters set in 2008. The dual timeline enriches the story.
The friendship between Young-sook and Mi-ja is raw, complex, and beautifully portrayed. A quote from Mi-ja in the chapter "The Ring of Fire," stuck with me: “Many people when they envision being faced with hardship believe they will fight back, but when I was a child and had to live with aunt and uncle, I learned what really happens … by the time I wanted to fight back, I was too weak.” This powerful reflection on resilience and vulnerability is a testament to See's ability to convey profound truths through her characters.
I’m giddy to read more from this author!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
kfeina's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
caitless's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
whatcassiedid's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Much darker than the other Lisa See books I've read but very well researched and compelling.
belletex's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
Very grim historical events from a personal pov. Goes from slow to very intense. I wish it had a happier ending because it leaves you feeling sad. Great book on the hole but not something I enjoyed reading or would pick up again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Child abuse, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Animal death, War, Mental illness, Domestic abuse, Torture, Sexual violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, Rape, Pregnancy, Death, Colonisation, and Child death
lizzielala's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating window into a culture and history I knew very little about (Korea). Well written and a great story line. The characters felt real to me!