60 pages • 2 hours read
Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood
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Book Brief
196
Novel • Fiction
Korea • 1930s-1940s
1970
Adult
15-18 years
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.
Melancholic
Challenging
Inspirational
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,291 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
1,291 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mr. Kim
Mr. Kim
Richard E. Kim’s father, a respected community leader and landowner who previously resisted Japanese occupation. He shares open discussions about responsibility and the future of Korea with his son.
Mrs. Kim
Mrs. Kim
Richard E. Kim’s mother, known for her nurturing and caring nature, coming from an artistic family. Her recollections help shape the family’s stories and memories.
196
Novel • Fiction
Korea • 1930s-1940s
1970
Adult
15-18 years
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