Please Look After Mother

the first book ‘so far’ made me cry soooooo much until I got headache. I love the way author not only told abt Korean mom but almost most of the readers can relate with it

Even though this is the only book by this author I've read, it's clear that Kyung-Sook Shin is a very talented writer, top level, in fact. The unusual use (for English speakers, at least) of traditional Korean 2nd person narrative made for an interesting exploration with voice, and added to the narrative in a way that almost rivaled the kind of things Faulkner, James Joyce, and others have used to give a stream-of-consciousness experience...though much less radical than those two examples.The plot could not be described as "action packed," (and could have used a little more), but there was this incremental flow and accumulation of knowledge, consciousness, discovery, and understanding for both the characters and the reader. Pretty high level writing, for sure. I gave it four stars because, while I appreciated the level of talent, I wanted more story. That said, I would read this author again.

This is one of the best insights into how women are treated. This is not just the chattel experience that we in the USArefer to as the 3rd world problem. It is found here too among all the social classes of women and men in the United States.Even "upper" class women with no education or money of their own are still subject to this type of treatment. We just need to uncoverhow pervasive it really is.

It is the first book I read by a korean author and it has been an awesome experience.Sensitive and delicate , truly talking to a woman's heart.I think that all of us would resonate into this tune;Is there anyone that is not guilty towards his mom ?It made me think about dedication and it's value that resists time ,change of generationsadvancements, disputes.It makes you a better person

Interesting story of how each of 3 of the 5 x children and the father cope when mother goes missing: lots of cultural anecdotes that help first time visitor to South Korea understand impact of changes in lifestyle and economy with move to city and increasing financial independence.

I originally got a copy of this book from my Korean mom. I gave a copy to my niece. It's a really good read and helps with understanding first and second generation Koreans.

Can't write I enjoyed, but I could feel for the family. Korea or anywhere , this book will open up many feelings. So sad, so true.

who will think that a story taken place in South Korea would touch me so much. After all, we are all not so different. I will recommend this book to any person who is looking to understand an elderly parent. It's a moving and worth to read story.

Terrific on the nature of motherhood

I purchased this as I’m very interested in Korean culture. The book is absolutely heartbreaking and is powerful in reminding us of the power of a mother’s love and the sacrifices made for children. We discover a lonely, ignored woman who disappears from a life she was invisible in - until it was too late. Reading this made me cherish my own mother a bit more and really reflect on how much we take for granted. There is so much to learn about a Korea of the past and the various traditions which we in the west know little about. I absolutely loved the book and long after it has been read, I often think of that lady, lost and alone on the streets of Seoul.

Everyone who's lost a mother knows the guilt that ensues about those unpaid visits, harsh criticisms and lack of appreciation for the unconditional love so freely given. And nearly everyone who's been a mother is plagued by the guilt of harsh words spoken in frustration, and childish needs and hopes carelessly brushed aside.When Park So-Nyo disappears at Seoul train station - her husband having walked ahead of her, as is his wont, directly onto the train expecting her to follow - her family are thrown into confusion. Accusations fly, relationships are re-examined and lessons as learned as So-Nyo's husband and four surviving adult children search desperately for her, an elderly country woman adrift in the big city, handing out flyers, visiting locations where she might have gone, following up on alleged sightings ...Why did none of her children pick up on the fact that So-Nyo was developing dementia? Was it denial, neglect or scorn that made them dismiss her increasing confusion as the product of uneducated old age? Why did they choose to believe her transparent attempts to play down the severity of her headaches? Why did her husband turn a blind eye to his wife's discomfort and expect her to continue waiting on him hand and foot, just as he had in the past when she was recovering from childbirth or when a late diagnosis of breast cancer led to an avoidable mastectomy?Eldest son Hyong-chol, successful writer daughter Chi-hon, and So-Nyo's helpless husband (only ever referred to as 'Father') are each given voice as they remember So-Nyo's selfless devotion to her family in the face of poverty, illiteracy and illness. But only So-Nyo herself, in the final section, gets to speak in the first person.An insightful and heart breaking read, beautifully written.

this book is a story of a mother told by her children. the hardships she endured to provide the best of the best for her kids but was ignored in her final moments. you grieve her loss along with her kids because she is like everyone's mother, stubborn and demanding but kind and loving. i loved each and every word in this novel and it touched my heart. my only takeaway is that whoever reads this story might start missing their mother and trying to show how grateful they are for her existence. 9/10 one of the best i have read this year

This book seems giving you a very simple message: do not take for granted a person and spend time to get to know them, savour your time with them for as long as you can. This message is more true if that person is your mother, she does what she has to do for you as a mother but she is also person worth to be met.Narrative really stick to reality that this might be easily a true story.