Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Native Speaker
Book Review: Never mind the "Korean-American Experience"...
Summary: 4 Stars
It seems rather insulting to the author that so many reviewers insist upon discussing it as some sort of Korean-American cultural artifact, rather than considering it simply as a novel. Personally, I have nothing to say regarding whether it's an accurate portrayal of the "Korean-American Experience" (whatever that may mean to any given person), but I did enjoy Native Speaker as an entertaining and thought-provoking novel. Lee's writing is evocative and honest, and unlike many non-genre writers today, he actually tells a story with all those well-chosen words. The protagonist recounts the history of his relationship with his wife as events unfold in his career, but the two storylines seem to intertwine naturally, rather than jumping back and forth in a distracting way. In the end, it becomes clear that the separation between his professional life and his marriage is the cause of his problems in both.Book Review: Not as Good as I Thought it would be!
Summary: 2 Stars
This was one of the books that were assigned for my multicultural literature course. I heard so many great reviews on it that I was looking forward to reading it. However, after reading it, I wondered why it recieved so many great reviews. Lee tries to address to many issues all at once. I was hoping that he would develop more the theme of being alienated and tie it in with Henry's biracial marriage. I was looking for some kind of insight from Henry on his cultural identity. The quest in defining Henry's cultural identity was not addressed as well as it could have been. I cannot honestly say that this book was a page turner, at times I had to force myself to keep reading. Very disappointing novel. I wonder if all the great reviews were due to the content of the novel or due to the fact that the author is Korean-American.Book Review: Not the average cuppa joe.
Summary: 5 Stars
A blend of subtle and broad strokes creating a richly textured prose in a unique and compelling novel. I enjoyed the layers and intricacies of the stories woven together to give protagonist Henry Park the profoundly human visage unearthed here. Lee uses a sensitive yet blunt observational style I found spine-tingling and poignant.For those KoAms here who thought the view of Korean immigrants stereotypical - hey, we're living it, man. Stereotypes are born of truths, painful though they may be. Look in the mirror, you'll find a lot more in common with Henry Park than you wish to admit, or you have yet to discover. Or are you just unmasking the stereotypical Korean schadenfreude in yourselves?
Lee hits the nail on the head and strikes nerves in many ways with this admirable, thought-provoking book.
Book Review: Not the great Korean-American novel, but great nonetheless
Summary: 5 Stars
Although the experiences of the narrator may differ from those of other Korean-Americans, I did not view this book as a strictly Korean-American novel. This book touches upon and beautifully delves into such universal themes as love, loss, identity, integrity, death. I read this book 3 years ago, and the portraits of his son still remain touching and vivid in my mind.Book Review: Perhaps I am over critical...
Summary: 3 Stars
Certainly "Native Speaker" is a page turner and shows Korean immigrant life realistically, but is this a well written book? I never felt like I got into Henry. He seemed so passive to the problems in his life, and this lack of emotion made Henry unbelievable. Chang-rae brings a Korean-American viewpoint that is well described in this story, but turns it into 'The Firm' at the end. I am uncertain of what the author was trying to do, and do not feel this to be a well written book.
As a Korean-American I find myself disturbed by the accolades being heaped on him. I am worried that maybe Mr. Lee is a token, a "breath of ethnic fresh air" that I see as terribly patronizing. The question that comes to my mind is did he get press because 'Native Speaker' is a good book, or because the author is Korean?