The Picture Bride - Book Review

 

The Picture Bride

Lee Geum-yi

3 stars




I realize that this book was a translation, so be prepared for the stilted language that did not flow, sentences that are choppy and it took some resolve to work through.

Although aspects of the Korean independence were an important part of the background, I was not able to assimilate that story and found it quite confusing.

It was interesting to know that many Asian people chose to settle in Hawaii and how difficult it was to establish yourself to gain any kind of affluence. The history of descrimination held true and is always difficult to hear.

The female characters were interesting enough but if I had borrowed this book from the public library, it would have gone back early.

If you have some prior knowledge and/or interest in the Korean culture, you will likely be more inclined to persevere. This book was a slog for me. The deceptions told to secure a young bride, is saddening of course, but not entirely surprising. The emotion that was required to make a connection with the women who found themselves in this circumstance, was a tad lacking for me.

Thank you #NetGalley for this early copy in exchange for my honest review.

...and now for more reading.




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