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43 pages 1 hour read

The Last Story of Mina Lee

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Nancy Jooyoun Kim

The Last Story of Mina Lee

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim tells the story of Margot, who, suspecting her mother's death may not be accidental, embarks on an investigation that unveils Mina's difficult life as a Korean immigrant, her lost loves, and hidden family secrets, ultimately leading Margot to deepen her understanding of her heritage and identity. Topics include racism and sexual violence.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.8

48,368 ratings

53%

Loved it

37%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Nancy Jooyoun Kim's The Last Story of Mina Lee intertwines mystery and familial bonds, capturing readers with its poignant exploration of immigrant experiences. Praised for its emotional depth and multi-generational narrative, some find its pacing uneven and plot transitions jarring. Overall, it’s celebrated for its rich characterization and compelling, heartfelt storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Last Story of Mina Lee?

Readers who enjoy character-driven, multi-generational stories with nuanced cultural themes will find The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim compelling. Fans of Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere and Min Jin Lee's Pachinko will appreciate the exploration of family secrets, identity, and the immigrant experience.

3.8

48,368 ratings

53%

Loved it

37%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Margot Lee

A 26-year-old woman who loves art and culture, feeling disconnected from her Korean heritage, and embarks on a journey to understand her mother better following her mother's death.

Margot's mother, an immigrant from Korea who faced significant tragedies, reluctant to assimilate and protective of her daughter, holding many secrets about her past.

A friend of Mina who is independent, educated in English literature, and derives fulfillment from art and music more than personal relationships.

A kind and thoughtful man who had a brief romantic relationship with Mina and later seeks to help her reunite with her family.

An affluent woman with liberal views and an open marriage, planning to travel the world after selling her businesses, showing some emotional depth in her interactions with Margot.

Margot's supportive friend who understands societal marginalization as a gay man, encouraging her in her self-acceptance journey.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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