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by Katy Robinson
In exploring her Korean beginnings, Katy Robinson offers much more than an honest and insightful look at search and reunion. Reminiscent of "Secrets and Lies," the book is a revealing account of family interactions, with the added complexities of cultural traditions and adoption.
More Than Roots
Author Katy Robinson subtitled her book "A Korean Adoptee's Search for Her Roots," but while that may have been her intent, the book is so much more. As she is drawn into her Korean family, with their own secrets and foibles, her account is a magnificent story of life and families. Adoption sets the rhythm for this symphony (and often cacophony) of cultures, egos, traditions, and social attitudes - in the midst of which, the author's melody rises and falls.
Korean adoptees have heralded the book as the definitive expression of Korean search and reunion, but as an adoptee who was physically "matched" to her adoptive family, I found myself nodding in agreement, and cringing at the familiarity of personal actions and reactions.
From the book:
Why did you make me feel like I would hurt your feelings by searching for my birth parents?... Well, I am not one of you. I am not a Connole. I am not Irish... I do not know who I take after in looks or personality - my Korean mother, father, or grandmother? How can I pass down my heritage to my children if it is one giant question mark?
Robinson was adopted as a seven year-old, transported and transplanted from Korea to Utah. Adjusting, seeking to please, feeling loved but displaced, she decides to follow her heritage trail. Her search takes her to Korea and thrusts her into the midst of her memories, her fantasies, and her new reality.
Robinson is a journalist whose talents enable her to bring her powerful story to life with vivid imagery, poignant characterizations, and wonderful dialog.
A fabulous book.
Visit the author's Web site for more information, reviews, and a reading guide for groups.
© Nancy S Ashe
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