Korean American Books

Summaries and reviews of fiction and nonfiction books by Korean American authors,
books about Korean Americans and Korea, and Korean literature in English translation,
including some academic works and a sampling on the Korean War

Friday, October 3, 2008

Clay Walls by Ronyoung (Gloria Hahn) Kim


This early Korean-American novel follows the Chun family and details the small Korean society in Los Angeles from the 1920s thru the 40s, including one visit back to Korea pre-Depression. It relates the struggles of a produce wholesaler and his yangban wife who doesn't love him, covers their three children, including the voice of the daughter. It is character driven with moments of elegant and strong prose. The hardships in America and some early Black relationships and wartime prejudices, including post-Pearl Harbor, are described. It also provides a Korean-American point of view on the Korean independence movement, including communist ideals. A good early novel of the KA experience.

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