An epic return from 'Pachinko' author Min Jin Lee : NPR
NPR • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Min Jin Lee's new novel, American Hagwon, is the third in her planned four-novel series about the Korean diaspora, taking nearly 10 years to complete and following the acclaimed Pachinko.
- The story centers on the Koh family from 1992 to 2007, exploring themes of immigration, the American promise, and education through their experiences in South Korea, Australia, and Southern California.
- The novel portrays the struggles of the Korean immigrant community during the Asian financial crisis, highlighting hard work, family networks, and the challenges faced in both personal and professional lives.
- Education, particularly through the Korean after-school hagwon system, is a key motif, with a powerful message advocating for transformative rather than transactional learning delivered by a Korean American educator.
- Lee’s writing style combines extensive exposition with emotional depth, culminating in a spiritually redemptive and emotionally impactful conclusion that underscores the novel’s profound exploration of identity and belonging.
