novel philosophy

Summary

Miyoung grows up in 1920s Korea while under Japanese occupation. Born to a father with another family, she lives with her mother and older sister. Together they struggle through every day living with little support from her father. Life is small but by no means boring. Miyoung grows up wild and free climbing trees and exploring the countryside. When her older sister is sent off into marriage, things start to change and Miyoung’s once happy childhood begins to dissolve.

Desperate to continue her education and avoid a disastrous marriage, Miyoung receives an offer from her sister. She jumps at the chance to join her sister in Japan and carry on with her schooling. Her mother agrees, and with careful persuasion her father gives permission. Though anxious to leave her mother behind, Miyoung finally feels like her dreams are within her grasp.

Life in Japan does not go the way Miyoung planned. The culture does little to welcome the incoming Koreans. Miyoung’s heritage limits her opportunities, so she makes a challenging decision. She hides her Korean identity.

The years that follow see Miyoung falling in love, birthing a beautiful son, and losing her husband. She struggles to fit in with her in-laws, and her mother-in-law pulls Miyoung’s son closer to replace her now-lost son. Miyoung works hard to support the family, but each new opportunity takes her farther away from her son. When she gets drafted into the military, Miyoung must risk it all to get back her son and escape from Japan.

Themes

Identity

Miyoung struggles with her identity throughout the novel. As a young girl, she wrestles with a desire to become more than a wife and mother. But, that’s all her culture has modeled for her. When a local teacher inspires her, Miyoung at last has a role model. Few in her life accept her desired future, and Miyoung has to decide between becoming who she wants to be or who her culture will allow her to be.

Life in Japan provides an entirely new struggle. Koreans are considered second-class citizens. She receives mistreatment wherever she goes. In school, she is teased and bullied. When she tries to join the workforce, she realizes how limited her opportunities are as a Korean. So, she becomes Japanese. She gets good at fitting in but struggles to carry the weight of her lies.

Motherhood

Motherhood forces Miyoung into a difficult position. She must have money to support her son, but working requires time spent away. Miyoung struggles to do what is best for her child while missing him desperately. She becomes a stranger to provide. Such tough choices accompany parenthood.

Quotes

“The call of songbirds in the pines woke her, and her courage.“

“At the end of hardship comes happiness.”

Final Thoughts

I’ve read very little about this time period and enjoyed learning about 1920s Korea. Miyoung’s story is truly captivating. My timing, though, wasn’t great. As a new mom with little sleep and caring for a newborn, this book broke my heart. I can’t imagine facing the tough decisions Miyoung did. I almost gave up the book because it hit too close to my current reality. The book also moved a little slowly at times. I was desperate for something good to happen to Miyoung. Instead, her life continued to decline and resolution only came in the very final pages.

It’s a great read if you:

• Want to learn more about Korean history.
• Appreciate a coming of age story.
• Are inspired by courageous women.

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About the Author

Hello, fellow bibliophiles! I’m Aubrey, the current voice behind A Novel Philosophy.

Since the day I could first string letters into words, I’ve been captivated by the written word. I love the power and emotion a single phrase can elicit, and don’t get me started on the incredible characters I’ve met along the way. There’s something so unique about watching a story unfold page after page.

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