In reading this novel I feel as though I’ve read so many different important elements and themes that I’m certain I’ve missed so much with just one read through. There are so many layers to this novel where race and culture seem only to be the major umbrella themes.
One part of the novel that really stuck out to me was the description of the Korean Family. When describing John Kwang, Henry says, “I want to say that he is a family man, that being Korean and old-fashioned made him cherish and honor the institution, that his family was the basic unit of wealth in his life, everthing paling and tarnished before it” (146). This description of the Korean family seemed imperative to the novel because it possibly was used as a distinguisher between the Korean and American ideals where it seems as though America as a whole is becoming so invested in wealth and work and family is possibly coming secondary. I’m sure I’m stretching that idea but it just seemed really interesting to consider what role family plays in our lives now and where we place it on a priority scale.
When considering Henry and family he seemed to certainly have a sort of rollercoaster journey. With the death of his mother at such a young age and the working relationship he had with his father, followed by his child dying in such a bizarre way and his wife leaving him at one point my heart really went out to Henry when thinking of his family life. I think that Chang-Rae Lee has done an outstanding job with presenting overall themes and underlying ones as well.
