The Kinship of Secrets

Calvin and Najin Cho decide to emigrate to the United States from South Korea in 1948. They take their older daughter with them and leave their infant girl behind with Najin’s parents and brother, planning to return once settled in America. But war breaks out in Korea, and Najin’s family must leave their home to find safety from the fighting. The Chos cannot save enough to return to Korea, but never forget their daughter, Inja. Eugenia Kim skillfully contrasts the struggle of the Chos in America with the hardships of 1950s Korea. I found this to be a very heartwarming novel, with a fascinating window into Korean culture.