Helpful Score: 3
What an interesting and surprisingly satisfying read. As a twenty-something, I didn't think I would connect with this book when I first opened it. It's traces the life of Franklin Hata, an eighty-something retired medical supply shop owner, as he meanders through retirement in a wealthy New York city suburb in Westchester. But, he is so well drawn through Lee's narrative, that you can't help but fall in love with him, and be drawn into the story of his life, his experiences in the second World War with the Japanese military, and his life as the father of a little girl he adopted. This book was moving and profound, and I would certainly recommend it to readers of any age.
An extremely readable novel - believable and honest.
Great international author.
Not as good as his first, but still interesting.
Brilliant. Lee Chang-rae writes with such subtle emotiion. A beautiful tale of war time atrocities and redemption.
Wonderful writer! Insightful views of experiences of the main character as a medic in the Japanese army in WWII and his attempts at assimilation into American life.
Eloquently written.
Extremely well written. A bit haunting in the telling, disturbing as you read. But you sure can't fault the writing--superbly told.
