Especially poignant now

I was excited to finally read this book last week, as it was the first time I’ve read a book with a Korean adoptee as the protagonist. It’s the story of a mass shooting and the way that the survivors navigate the aftermath. It’s written by a Korean adoptee.

Although the story is set on the verge of the 2016 election, the discussion of race and power is still spot on for today, and also for Australia. It seems especially poignant now, given the very recent hate crimes against Asians in Atlanta. I appreciated the way that the author outlines the interaction between black, white, Asian and Korean adoptee in such an insightful way. The characters are true to life – there are no major breakthroughs or heartfelt apologies that save the day. One of the more problematic characters actually becomes worse by the end of it but that feels more authentic in reflecting my personal experiences as an adoptee.

The book presents a perspective that would benefit anyone’s understanding, no matter what race they identify with. I’m more than happy to share this with anyone and everyone who wants to borrow my copy (which was a little tricky to track down in Australia). I have another by this author that I’m really looking forward to reading next. —Tamara Lee