Kim’s biography, but I still feel that the story would have more appeal and educational relevance if it were told by a character with a more traditionally Korean spiritual outlook. Again, knowledge of historical context is vital in order to understand this “non-exotic” fact of a story with a setting that might be considered exotic by most western readers. Partly this is due to the Christian faith of the main characters. Weirdly enough, I also felt the book also has a notable western bias, despite being a story told by a native Korean who actually lived through the times he describes. I think student enjoyment might also be hampered because the tension and conflict within the story is mostly resolved by talk and the passage of time, rather than gripping, climactic scenes.

I’m not sure how easily most students in my district would find it to identify with the main character and develop a compelling interest in his story (this due primarily to his precociousness, not his culture). Primarily, I think, there’s the problem of basic interest. For all its strengths - a readable narrative, a young protagonist, and real tension - there are also weaknesses (in my opinion). I also have some doubt as to whether students would enjoy and be enthusiastic about reading this book.

Even for high schoolers, however, I think that any truly effective teaching of the novel would require some time spent upon the historical scaffolding needed to understand the novel at the highest level. Certainly one would expect older students to have a greater understanding and appreciation for the use of descriptive language, as well as the question of identity faced by the protagonist. I think there is a great deal more potential to be found teaching this novel at the high school level. Only a small number would have both the patience and ability to read it at all, and I don’t think any of them have the requisite historical background knowledge to truly comprehend it. In fact, I would be hesitant to recommend it to teachers in my middle school because I believe it is too advanced for the vast majority of the children at our school. Unfortunately, I also think that a true understanding of the plot and character development requires a knowledge of historical context that will be beyond most of the students that I work with. It also does a very good job of presenting the perspective of a Korean child living during the Japanese occupation of the peninsula. The book is well written and is particularly notable for its descriptive language. I think it has some potential in the classroom, but I have a few concerns as well.

I was asked to review this novel specifically for its potential usefulness in a classroom setting.

Lost names kim