The Calligrapher's Daughter

It was cold and rainy for most parts of today so i stayed home and finished reading a book that was way due.

A sweeping debut novel, inspired by the life of the author’s mother, about a young woman who dares to fight for a brighter future in occupied Korea...

"In early-twentieth-century Korea, Najin Han, the privileged daughter of a calligrapher, longs to choose her own destiny. Smart and headstrong, she is encouraged by her mother—but her stern father is determined to maintain tradition, especially as the Japanese steadily gain control of his beloved country. When he seeks to marry Najin into an aristocratic family, her mother defies generations of obedient wives and instead sends her to serve in the king’s court as a companion to a young princess. But the king is soon assassinated, and the centuries-old dynastic culture comes to its end.

In the shadow of the dying monarchy, Najin begins a journey through increasing oppression that will forever change her world. As she desperately seeks to continue her education, will the unexpected love she finds along the way be enough to sustain her through the violence and subjugation her country continues to face? Spanning thirty years, The Calligrapher’s Daughter is a richly drawn novel in the tradition of Lisa See and Amy Tan about a country torn between ancient customs and modern possibilities, a family ultimately united by love, and a woman who never gives up her search for freedom."

I must say that part of the reason why it took me so long to read a book like this, other than being rather busy while in paris, was because the start of the book is rather boring. It is only after the main character, Najin, leaves home, did the story capture more of my attention. Having historical elements in fiction books really appeals to me. Even more so when there's strong focus on culture, war, and traditions. When browsing through fiction books, other than brightly-coloured chick flick books, books like these are what catches my attention next. This book is very well-written, but somehow, in my opinion, it still doesn't quite cut it. Well, not in the way that i had hoped/expected it would. The part that stands out most to me is the Korean culture and traditions, and changes to it with exposure to the outside world, which i feel is actually the message that the author wants to convey. The essence of Korea's struggle to retain its traditions amidst war and troubled times, and influx of other cultures and ideas, both by force and subtle means, is actually very easily understood. Perhaps it is my lack of knowledge of the timeline of Korea's history that leaves me rather confused sometimes. Generally, i'd say it's an average book. I've read similar ones that were better, or i guess, left a greater impression. But if you're an avid fan of Korean stuff (like all the korean drama, music and makeup craze that is going on here), then i think it would speak out more to you than it did for me (:


img & synopsis src: http://www.thecalligraphersdaughter.com/