Title: Superficial
Product review: I lived in Korea in the late-1970s and still possess affection for its people and interest in its history. I read this book to update my knowledge of how a 'modern' Korean looked at the world. Unfortunately I found it full of stereotypes, characters who were barely alive on the page. Only the dissolute brother held any interest. I found the descriptions of the family relationships were awkward and superficial. It's a pity because the scope and theme of the book is fascinating, and the mother's narration of historical events of interest, despite the blandness of her character. Overall I thought the author was too prepared to accept what Koreans think about themselves at face value, and not explore the differences between perception and reality. With the exception of a few pages, the final section reads more like a travelogue than a search for identity. Nice try but not quite there.
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