Synopsis – A Girl From Busan
A Girl from Busan is an autobiographical memoir that chronicles the life of Okhui Lee, a woman who faced immense tragedy, loss, and hardship but never lost her faith in God. Okhui Lee’s personal story offers a poignant, somber portrayal of the Korean War and its aftermath, as well as the hurdles of immigration and raising a family in a foreign country.
A Girl from Busan weaves a rich tapestry of experiences that are not just personal but universal across all walks of life. Okhui Lee delves into the struggles of immigration, cultural differences, and the pain of addiction and loss. However, throughout it all, Okhui’s story presents a message of hope and the ever-pervading power of prayer to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles. Readers can expect to find a beautifully written memoir that is both inspiring and culturally educational.
In summary, A Girl from Busan is a bold and moving memoir that offers a deep look through the eyes of a woman who faced tremendous adversity and found strength in her faith. The personal anecdotes and intimate moments will move readers, and they will be inspired by the message of hope and the power of prayer. A Girl from Busan is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of resilience, faith, and the human spirit.
My Review
A Girl from Busan: A Mother’s Prayer by Okhui Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Girl from Busan is an interesting memoir about Korean born Okhui Lee.
Lee has lead an eventful life. Her early childhood was marked by a dysfunctional family and significant rejection from her parents and many other relatives. In her adulthood she married a US serviceman who facilitated her move to the United States. Her life was very fascinating in that she was a burlesque dancer and bar owner, among other entertainment-based projects.
There is a very strong religious undertone to the memoir. Towards the end the religious focus is more direct and it is an extreme transition from the earlier aspects of the story.
Though I found the story very interesting, the story lacked an emotional depth. Lee recanted her many experiences, but I didn’t get enough introspection from the author. I wondered if she had considered how her own early family rejection was a theme that guided her behaviors as an adult and may have colored her relationships with her family, her own children, and the men she entertained. I think the story could have been even more powerful if Lee had truly explored her feelings and behaviors and how they may have impacted her life. Ultimately, I am very glad that I read this memoir. I just found that I wanted more information on her personal relationships and maybe less focus on her business dealings.
Despite the somewhat detached storytelling, A Girl From Busan tells a fascinating story. In particular, learning about the cultural differences between the US and Korea was illuminating. Further, even learning about Hawaii and how it also has different cultural realities to the mainland US was very interesting. I also greatly enjoyed her providing a glimpse into life in Haiti both before and after the devastating earthquake.
If you are interested in memoirs and especially if you are someone with a strong religious identity, then this is definitely a book worth checking out.
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