Comfort Woman by Nora Okja Keller tells the story of Beccah, a Korean-American woman in Hawaii, and her Korean mother, Akiko. After Akiko's death, Beccah uncovers her mother's traumatic past as a "comfort woman" for Japanese soldiers during World War II. The novel alternates between Beccah's discoveries and Akiko's own harrowing experiences, revealing their complex relationship and cultural legacy. The book includes sexual violence and forced abortion.

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,996 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Comfort Woman by Nora Okja Keller has been acclaimed for its poignant and powerful narrative, offering a harrowing yet heartfelt look into the trauma of Korean "comfort women" during WWII. Critics praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth. However, some note its nonlinear structure can be challenging. Overall, it is a compelling and important read on historical and personal healing.

Who Should Read Comfort Woman?

Readers who appreciate poignant narratives of historical trauma and cultural identity would enjoy Comfort Woman by Nora Okja Keller. Similar to The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, it caters to those intrigued by personal and emotional accounts set against dramatic historical backdrops.

4.1

1,996 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

240

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Historical Fiction

•

Korean Literature

•

Asian Literature

Period