61 pages 2 hours read

Richard E. Kim

Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1970

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Lost Names by Richard E. Kim portrays his childhood experiences during the Japanese occupation of Korea, depicting his family's struggles against oppression, cultural loss, and personal resilience. It illustrates various scenes from Kim’s early years, including their move to Manchuria, life under Japanese rule, and the eventual Japanese surrender, culminating in the reoccupation of their town led by Mr. Kim. This book includes intense depictions of physical violence and emotional trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Lost Names by Richard E. Kim is well-received for its poignant portrayal of a Korean family's resilience under Japanese occupation. Critics praise its powerful narrative and cultural insight, though some find its episodic structure disjointed. Overall, it's commended for its emotional depth and historical significance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lost Names?

Readers who enjoy Lost Names by Richard E. Kim are typically drawn to poignant narratives set against historical backdrops. Fans of Min Jin Lee's Pachinko or Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner will appreciate the deeply personal chronicles of resilience and identity under colonial rule in this compelling autobiographical fiction.

Recommended

Reading Age

15-18years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Korean Literature

Period

Asian Literature