This is a mystery that is thoroughly enjoyable. It is filled with an almost gothic melancholy that adds an extra layer of allure. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

The story takes you on a thrilling journey, filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The atmosphere is palpable, and you can almost feel the darkness lurking around every corner.

While the ending didn't entirely live up to my expectations, it was still great. It tied up most of the loose ends and provided a satisfying conclusion. Overall, this is a must-read for mystery lovers.

I really enjoyed this book.

It offers a multidimensional look at the lives of Korean immigrants to the US and their children.

The author delves deep into their experiences, struggles, and joys, painting a vivid picture of their journey.

What makes this book even more interesting is that it also has the undertones of a mystery novel in some parts.

The element of mystery adds an extra layer of excitement and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Overall, it is a great read that combines elements of both a family drama and a mystery, making it a unique and captivating book.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about the experiences of immigrants or enjoys a good mystery.

Thank God for libraries.

It is truly a blessing that I was able to discover this book there. I absolutely loved it.

This is exactly how a true crime story should be written to make it interesting to people like me, who have an insatiable need for character drama and melancholic writing.

Not only did it captivate me with its engaging narrative, but it also emotionally devastated me, as Asian diaspora novels are often prone to do.

I know that I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come.

It has left a lasting impression on me, and I will surely recommend it to others who share my taste in literature.

The power of a good book is truly remarkable, and this one has definitely touched my heart and soul.

I am grateful to have found it in the library and look forward to exploring more wonderful works of literature in the future.

The Interpreter, penned by a Korean author in English, exudes a sense of melancholy, glumness, and pessimism.

It features a Korean main character and is set in the vibrant city of New York, all of which are elements that I am inclined to appreciate.

And indeed, I did like all of these aspects. In fact, I even found myself drawn to the main character, who is deliberately crafted to be unlikable.

The writing is nothing short of perfect, and I can easily envision this book among a list of renowned New York novels such as CITR, Fuck-up, Bright Lights Big City, Gatsby, and American Psycho.

However, I can't help but think that it might have been even more effective as a novella.

Nonetheless, if there were another book by Suki Kim, I would not hesitate for a moment to pick it up.

Overall, this book earns a solid 3.5 rating.

It is really hard for me to like this book. The main reason is that I didn't have a favorable impression of the character. Although it was quite interesting to learn about the Korean immigrant culture through the story, I didn't have much concern about what happened to the character's parents. This is mainly because I didn't like her. The book concludes with a somewhat suspenseful and incomplete story. At first, this was really annoying. However, I found that I got over it quickly because, in the end, I didn't truly care. I understand that the way she is might be related to her upbringing. But so what? As an adult, she has made some stupid and self-centered choices. And I didn't really feel the need to see whether she resolved her issues or not.

Please join the Seoul Book and Culture Club for our exciting first January meeting on Saturday, 10th January. This event promises to be truly special as we will be joined by the very talented journalist and award-winning novelist, Suki Kim. She is the author of two remarkable works, ‘The Interpreter’ and ‘Without You, There Is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite.’ Our guest moderator for this engaging event is none other than Walter Foreman, the popular host of the talk show ‘Inside Out’ on tbs eFM radio. We are looking forward to a lively discussion and sharing of ideas. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to be part of our club's January meeting. (www.facebook.com/events/423883224451086/)

서울북&컬쳐클럽의 1월 모임에 초대합니다. 날짜는 2015년 1월 10일(토요일)입니다. 이번 모임은 '통역가'와 '당신이 없으면 우리도 없다'의 저자이신 저널리스트이자 문학상 수상 소설가 '수키 김' 작가님과 함께할 예정입니다. 또한, 이벤트의 게스트 모더레이터는 tbs eFM 라디오의 토크쇼 'Inside Out'의 호스트인 월터 포먼입니다. (www.facebook.com/events/423883224451086/)

The awkward and tense translation scenes are truly worth the price of admission.

These moments can add an element of excitement and unpredictability to any event or situation.

Whether it's a live performance, a business meeting, or a casual conversation, a mistranslation or a struggle to convey the correct meaning can create a sense of drama and anticipation.

It's like watching a tightrope walker balance precariously on a thin wire, not knowing if they will make it to the other side.

The awkwardness can also lead to moments of humor and self-awareness, as both the translator and the audience realize the challenges of cross-cultural communication.

In the end, these translation scenes become a memorable part of the experience, adding depth and character to the overall narrative.

They remind us that language is a complex and ever-evolving tool, and that communication is an art that requires practice and patience.

The Interpreter is an ambitious novel by Suki Kim, a captivating mystery that delves deep into the themes of family, immigration, and alienation.

Suzy Park, a young woman on the verge of turning thirty, is haunted by the unsolved murder of her parents five years ago. The first half of the novel is a languorous and depressive exploration of her life, filled with ennui that keeps her in a state of stasis. She drifts from one relationship with a married man to another, never able to find true love or commitment. She also moves from job to job, having quit her degree in the final semester and never bothering to finish it.

Suzy spends much of her time sleeping and wandering the streets of New York City, her mind constantly replaying the past. She is estranged from her only living relative, her sister Grace, and is filled with guilt for disappointing her parents, who disowned her and never made an effort to reconcile before their deaths. When the police finally have a clue and ask her to come in and answer questions, she has no answers for them.

The pace of the novel quickens around the midway point when, by coincidence, a translating job for a deposition involves someone who worked for her parents. As the lawyer repeats questions, Suzy seizes the opportunity to question him about her parents and discovers that they were disliked in the community. This does not surprise her, and she wonders if she should feel ashamed for thinking that if people wanted them dead, it was probably their own fault.

There are many fascinating ideas in The Interpreter, but the story is slow and plodding, moving forward like a fugue, much like Suzy herself. The beginning is so foggy that it requires a great deal of effort to keep reading, despite Kim's interesting insights into immigration and belonging. Suzy is trapped, feeling neither American nor Korean, "stuck in a vacuum where neither culture moved nor owned her." This is far more interesting than the mystery that she pursues haphazardly.

As the story progresses, Suzy learns that her parents were not what she thought they were, and that her sister was a better sister than she ever imagined. The pace picks up towards the end and races to a conclusion, perhaps a little too quickly. The mystery is "solved," but what about Suzy and Grace? The ending is slightly ambiguous, as it should be, given that the entire book is about the ambiguity of memory, identity, and everything else.

Overall, The Interpreter is a thought-provoking novel that explores complex themes with depth and sensitivity. While it may not be the most exciting or engaging read, it is certainly worth the effort for those who are interested in exploring the human condition. ★★★

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It is truly a heart-wrenching situation that is also filled with a sense of victory. It is a semi-tragic event that leaves one with a complex mix of emotions.

On one hand, the sadness lingers, as there are elements of loss and disappointment. It tugs at the heartstrings and makes us feel the weight of the situation.

However, on the other hand, there is a glimmer of victory. It could be a small triumph in the face of great odds, a moment of strength and perseverance that shines through the darkness.

This semi-tragic nature makes the experience all the more profound. It forces us to confront the duality of life, where joy and sorrow often coexist.

We are left to grapple with the emotions and find meaning in the midst of this bittersweet reality. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there can be moments of victory and hope.

I am completely shook. What the fuck is going on?

This is truly amazing. It's like something out of a wild dream. The events that are unfolding before my eyes are simply mind-boggling.

I can't help but be in awe of the situation. It's as if the world has turned upside down and I'm just along for the ride.

Every moment is filled with anticipation and excitement. I have no idea what's going to happen next, but I'm eager to find out.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'm determined to soak it all in.

Whether it's good or bad, I know it's going to be a memory that will last a lifetime.

So here I am, standing in the midst of this chaos, feeling both scared and excited at the same time.

Let's see where this journey takes me.

It was a reversal indeed. This unexpected turn of events took everyone by surprise. At first, the situation seemed to be unfolding in a particular way, but then suddenly, everything changed. It was like a switch had been flipped, and a new reality emerged. The consequences of this reversal were far-reaching and had a significant impact on all those involved. Some were left stunned, while others quickly adapted and began to take advantage of the new circumstances. As the dust settled, it became clear that this was a moment that would be remembered. It served as a reminder that in life, nothing is certain, and we must always be prepared for the unexpected.

This novel is truly a hidden gem that often gets overlooked.

It was the first depressed adult Asian American novel I read in high school, featuring a girl in NYC who smokes and has a rather chaotic life. The story made a profound and lasting impression on me, and I found myself drawn to it. I was intrigued by how messed up the protagonist was and how different she was from the norm.

Now, years later, perhaps even a decade after my initial reading, I find that I am able to understand the novel on a deeper level. Suzy Kim represents the epitome of failure in an Asian American household. She is a college dropout from Columbia, involved in an affair with a married man, and seemingly directionless in her life.

She is also in the midst of grieving the loss of her parents, who were brutally murdered five years ago, shot in the heart. They were Korean grocers with a dark secret that led to their untimely deaths.

The story follows Suzy on the fifth anniversary of her parents' death as old secrets and谜团 begin to resurface. What I find most appealing about the novel is not so much the plot itself, but rather the complexity and messiness of Suzy's life.

The writing is excellent and engaging, although it can be a bit long-winded at times. The ending, unfortunately, did not quite work for me this time around. On my first read, it may have seemed satisfactory, but now I desire more resolution and clarity. However, it is important to note that some aspects of the story require interpretation, which adds to its depth and mystery.

Overall, this novel is a thought-provoking and unique exploration of identity, grief, and the struggles of an Asian American woman in a complex and unforgiving world.