The Calligrapher’s Daughter
Author: Eugenia Kim
Publisher: Henry Holt
Price: $33 (Hardcover)
After the turn of the 20th Century, Korea is in a struggle between tried traditions and contemporary practices, a battle reflected in Najin Han’s life. While her calligrapher father wants her to marry young to secure the upper-class mate he’s found for her, Najin’s mother refuses, instead sending her to the royal court to find finesse. Najin flourishes, attending college and becoming a teacher while gaining wealth and status. But as the Second World War approaches, poverty and suspicions of being a spy ravage her, as the Japanese gradually overtake the country and people young and old endeavour to understand their place.
