I have a lot of feelings after reading this book. This slice of life is an emotionally gripping tale about Korean Picture Brides. If you are like me, you've heard about Chinese Paper Brides. This is the story about three Korean women who became picture brides. It's not an easy story, but one of bravery, determination, and family.
I do wish the translator had made some different choices. The biggest one being on what to call Korea and Koreans. This story takes place after Japan has invaded and is occupying the country. It is no longer Joseon (Chosun), but the people would surely have still called it that. Referring to it as Korea may have been simpler, but I do wish it has been Joseon.
I did spend some time checking out the real people (Rhee and Park) to get some context about the division in the community, so I appreciated how that was shown.
The ending was a little strange feeling, switching to first person for Pearl. Yet, I feel it sets the stage for the next chapter in the life of the pictures brides, while also bringing closure to this story.
Over all, a well done story.
I received an ARC via netgalley.
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Families from Korea to Hawaii 1918-1941
“The Picture Bride” by Lee Geum-yi, translated by An Seonjae. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Historical Fiction. Location: Korea & Hawaii. Time: 1918-1941.In 1918, 3 Korean picture brides sail to Hawaii, based only on photos of their husbands-to-be. Hongju, looking for real love, discovers her husband is 20 years older than his photo; Songhwa, escaping her home life, finds her husband is an old drunkard. Willow’s husband, Taewan, looks just like his photo. But the matchmaker lied when she said he was a landowner and she could go to school.Living on an Oahu sugarcane plantation, Willow learns Taewan didn’t want to marry her, but she dutifully takes care of him and his elderly father Mr. So. Her opinions grow and change as she moves from her tiny village to Kahuku, to Honolulu, and finally to Koko Beach. By 1919, Taewan is caught up in the Korean Independence Movement, spending years away. The 3 picture brides slide in and out of each other’s lives as they struggle to survive. The narrative makes an abrupt shift to first person in 1941 when Willow’s daughter Pearl tells her story.The author emphasizes the power of friendships to build others up and overcome challenges. She explains Korean customs, such as naming children and class differences, by describing characters’ family histories.Don’t expect this book to read quite like Western literature. The translated book reflects Lee Geum-yi’s Korean literature and cultural norms with refined expressions of emotions more prominent than action. Western readers may consider descriptions of emotions to be brief. Korean speakers/readers may absorb more emotion from the culturally-specific style. There is some dissonance because Willow’s name is an English translation while most other names are Korean.All in all, it’s a well-written, fascinating look at a specific way of life, and it’s 4 Aloha stars from me. 🌵📚💁🏼♀️
