"The Calligrapher's Daughter" by Eugenia Kim

The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim
Call Number: FICTION Kim
A sweeping debut novel, inspired by the life of the author's mother, about a young woman who dares to fight for a brighter future in occupied Korea. In early-twentieth-century Korea, Najin Han, the privileged daughter of a calligrapher, longs to choose her own destiny. Smart and headstrong, she is encouraged by her mother-but her stern father is determined to maintain tradition, especially as the Japanese steadily gain control of his beloved country. When he seeks to marry Najin into an aristocratic family, her mother defies generations of obedient wives and instead sends her to serve in the king's court as a companion to a young princess. But the king is soon assassinated, and the centuries-old dynastic culture comes to its end.In the shadow of the dying monarchy, Najin begins a journey through increasing oppression that will forever change her world. As she desperately seeks to continue her education, will the unexpected love she finds along the way be enough to sustain her through the violence and subjugation her country continues to face? Spanning thirty years, The Calligrapher's Daughter is a richly drawn novel in the tradition of Lisa See and Amy Tan about a country torn between ancient customs and modern possibilities, a family ultimately united by love, and a woman who never gives up her search for freedom.

Cultural Identity:
- How does the novel portray the struggle for cultural identity, especially during a period of significant change in Korea?
Characters and Relationships:
- Analyze the relationships between the characters, especially focusing on the dynamics within the Lee family. How do their relationships evolve throughout the story?
Women's Roles:
- Explore the roles of women in the novel, considering the societal expectations and constraints they face. How do characters like Najin challenge or conform to these expectations?
Historical Context:
- How does the historical backdrop of Korea in the early 20th century shape the characters' lives and decisions? In what ways does the novel depict the impact of political and social changes?
Political Struggles:
- Discuss the political struggles faced by the characters in the novel, especially during the Japanese occupation. How do they navigate personal and political challenges?
Cultural Preservation:
- Explore the theme of cultural preservation. In what ways do the characters attempt to preserve their Korean identity and traditions in the face of external pressures?
Personal Growth:
- Trace Najin's personal growth throughout the novel. How does she evolve as a character, and what key experiences contribute to her development?
Calligraphy as a Metaphor:
- Consider the significance of calligraphy as a recurring theme. How does calligraphy serve as a metaphor for the characters' lives and the broader narrative?
Loss and Resilience:
- Discuss the theme of loss and the characters' resilience in the face of adversity. How do they cope with personal and collective losses?
Cross-Cultural Connections:
- Explore instances of cross-cultural connections in the novel. How do characters from different backgrounds interact, and what impact does this have on their lives?
Narrative Structure:
- Consider the narrative structure of the novel, including the use of flashbacks. How does the structure contribute to the storytelling?
Legacy and Memory:
- Reflect on the concept of legacy and the ways in which characters grapple with preserving their personal and cultural memories for future generations.

The timeline of occupied Korea refers to the period when Korea was under Japanese rule, commonly known as the period of Japanese occupation or the Chōsen years. Here is a general timeline of key events during this period:

1910 (August 22): The Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty is signed, officially annexing Korea into the Japanese Empire.
1919 (March 1): The March 1st Movement begins as a nonviolent protest against Japanese rule. It marks a significant event in the Korean independence movement.
1920s: During this decade, Japan implements policies to assimilate Korea into the Japanese Empire. This includes the imposition of Japanese culture, language, and education.
1930s: Japan enforces various measures to strengthen its control over Korea. This includes efforts to suppress Korean culture, promote Shinto practices, and conscript Koreans for forced labor.
1937 (July 7): The Marco Polo Bridge Incident marks the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War, leading to increased Japanese militarization in the region.
1939-1945: Korea becomes directly involved in World War II, and Koreans are conscripted for forced labor, including military service. Korean women are also forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military (referred to as "comfort women").
1945 (August 15): Japan announces its surrender, marking the end of World War II. Korea is liberated from Japanese rule.
1945 (September 2): The official surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Korea is divided along the 38th parallel into Soviet and American zones of influence.
1948 (August 15): The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is formally established. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is established in the northern zone occupied by the Soviet Union.

The timeline of occupied Korea reflects the challenges and resistance faced by the Korean people during the period of Japanese rule, as well as the complex geopolitical developments leading up to the end of World War II and the subsequent division of Korea.

Eugenia Kim was born in 1961 in New York City to Korean immigrant parents. Growing up in the United States, she was influenced by her Korean heritage and the experiences of her family. Kim has often drawn from her family's history and the broader context of Korean culture to inform her writing.

She earned her Bachelor's degree in English from Barnard College and later pursued a Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University. Her education and experiences have contributed to her understanding of both literature and the social issues that often appear in her works.

Eugenia Kim is best known for her debut novel, "The Calligrapher's Daughter," published in 2009. The novel is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Korea and explores the life of a young woman named Najin Han. "The Calligrapher's Daughter" delves into themes of cultural identity, societal expectations, and the impact of historical events such as the Japanese occupation of Korea.

Eugenia Kim's writing has been praised for its evocative storytelling, rich character development, and the historical authenticity with which she portrays the settings of her novels.

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*ebook & audiobook on Libby
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*ebook & audiobook on Libby
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*ebook on Libby
*ebook on hoopla

Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "The Calligrapher's Daughter" by Eugenia Kim

"The Calligrapher's Daughter" by Eugenia Kim

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