Korea United: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Hyun-Mee Kim is a deeply touching memoir of love and loss, family, and the enduring quest for identity. Armed with a tape recorder, Kim seeks to uncover her Korean heritage by asking her parents about their childhood and their immigration to America. What unfolds is a rich and deeply poignant narrative of war, family struggles, and a nation’s turbulent past. As Kim navigates personal loss along the way, her determination to complete this project grows, driven by a deep desire to connect with her roots and also by the hope of showing it to her father. 
 
Korea United: A Family’s Lifelong Dream by Irene Hyun-Mee Kim is more than a family’s quest to find their lost heritage; it is also a tribute to the author’s parents. Kim skillfully guided the reader through her motivations for writing the book, the challenges she encountered, and her personal growth throughout the journey. I especially enjoyed her reflections on every situation, her vivid descriptions of the people she met, the scenery, the food, and the culture she encountered, often different from her own. One of the main themes that stood out for me was the lasting impact of war on an individual’s behavior and perceptions, even many years later. Additionally, I appreciated Kim’s compassionate approach to her project, particularly in her father’s interviews where empathy, sensitivity, and deep love for him were evident. Overall, the historical aspects, pictures, and illustrations were well presented and inspired thoughtful reflection from me as a reader. 

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~Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers’ Favorite

5 Stars