I Went to See My Father

An instant hit in Korea and a sequel to the global sensation, Please Look After Mom, this novel focuses on a woman's journey to reconnect with her aging father, revealing buried family secrets along the way. Two years after her daughter’s tragic death, Hon returns to her rural home to care for her father. Initially, he seems merely old and fragile, a man struggling with the passage of time, yet gentle towards his daughter. Surprises await as Hon uncovers a chest of letters, bringing to light intricate details of her father’s past and the hidden history of her family.Overwhelmed by her own sorrow, Hon had missed the depths of her father’s struggles and her family's delicate dynamics. Through unraveling mysteries and engaging with supportive family and friends, she grows closer to her father, discovering a man of unexpected depth and complexity. His life, once full of vibrancy and ambition, changed dramatically in the turbulent postwar years in Korea. As she learns of his past affairs, cult involvement, and the challenging lives of her siblings, Hon gains insight into her family's financial difficulties and emotional distances.Her exploration helps her appreciate her father's sacrifices and heroism, as well as the larger narrative of her country's history. More than a mere biography of one man, I Went to See My Father sheds light on the human condition, the essence of family, and the impacts of loss and war. This eagerly anticipated continuation of Please Look After Mom, skillfully translated by award-winning Anton Hur, showcases Kyung-Sook Shin's ability to weave an expansive, global narrative that resonates with readers worldwide.