Honolulu

The plot of this book is quite unique in my opinion. It is the story of a Korean woman who moves from her home in Korea to be a picture bride of a Korean man who is living in Hawaii. The story takes place just after the turn of the 20th century, and Japan has occupied Korea. The beginning of the book is almost repetitive in its chronicling of the treatment of women in many Asian countries. But alas, it seems far worse for our heroine, with the telling name of Regret. Regret is denied an education by her father who follows Confucianism to a ‘T'. Interestingly enough, I had no idea that Confucianism could be so misogynist, but I freely admit I don't know much about the philosophy.

Life with Regret's new husband is very dismal, and not what she felt she was promised. The later parts of the book tell Regret's story as she overcomes her past and builds a good life for her family. It's a typical story in that regard, but the setting and many aspects of the plot are very unique. I've never read another book about a Korean in Hawaii. Also, my own research discovered that many of the events and people in Regret's life are real and documented. I am impressed that the author chose to weave so many real stories with the overall fictional one.

Sometimes, I had a hard time understanding Regret's motivation. This could be due to my being an American woman in the 21st century. I've never been told I can't get an education. I've never had a boyfriend or husband who has beat me. But a part of me thinks that this book was written by a man, and that he fell a little short of writing a woman's experience. Likely it's a combination of these two.

Like so many books I read about Asian women, this is a sad story, but also one filled with hope. And the history chronicled in its pages is worth reading about.