Forever Alien: A Korean Memoir 1930-1951 - Historical Autobiography of Korean Immigrant Life | Perfect for Asian American Studies & WWII History Enthusiasts
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SKU:62766697
Product Description
Korean native Sunny Che spent most of her early childhood in Japan, where she and her family were treated as outsiders. She returned to Korea, only to find herself a stranger in her homeland. This memoir is the story of her personal struggle amidst the crucial events enveloping Asia at midcentury. Part I chronicles her childhood in Japan and the beginning of the war in the Pacific. Part II describes her return to Korea, the turmoil of Korea's liberation from Japan, and the Korean War. From a schoolgirl's perspective, Che describes events both global and intimate. She depicts the alienation and chaos of war and migration, as well as the domestic trials of a family seeking not merely to survive but to hold on to their heritage. Her story is at once a unique perspective on history and a moving chronicle of her own childhood, providing a detailed picture of diverse cultures irrevocably changed by two devastating wars.
Customer Reviews
This is her personal story about life as a young Korean girl growing up in Japan,the struggle for survival in Korea (during WWII & the Korean War), and how she ultimately came to America. Forever Alien is stunning in its straightforward storytelling. It's matter-of-fact - there's not alot of flowery language to soften the story or distract the reader. This is a "less is more" memoir. You will not get the "warm fuzzies" reading this book or need a box of tissues sitting by while you read and weep. Sunny's story hits beyond the gut level, beyond tears. It doesn't overwhelm the reader with emotional angst, like "Angela's Ashes". Rather, it unexpectedly hits you with overlapping events and tragedies, told with uncommon bluntness. Her description of events is so simplistic, almost cold and clinical, yet that's exactly what makes this such a beautiful book. That very brevity and detachment leaves room for the readers to "feel" for themselves.Helpful tip: read it slowly - Forever Alien is not a book to be devoured in one sitting.
