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A Girl from Busan: A Mother's Prayer
A Girl from Busan is a spellbinding autobiographical memoir that chronicles the life of Okhui Lee, a woman who faced immense tragedy, loss, and hardship but never lost her faith in God. Okhui Lee's personal story is exceptionally unique as it offers a poignant, somber portrayal of the Korean War and its aftermath, as well as the hurdles of immigration and raising a family in a foreign country. Experiencing life through the lens of Okhui Lee, readers will feel a spectrum of emotions, including sadness, hope, and inspiration. Her memoir is filled with personal anecdotes and intimate moments that put Okhui's character and inner strength to the absolute test. The role of prayer and its power in Okhui's life is profoundly moving, and readers will find themselves drawn in by her unwavering faith. A Girl from Busan weaves a rich tapestry of experiences that are not just personal but universal across all walks of life. Okhui Lee delves into the struggles of immigration, cultural differences, and the pain of addiction and loss. However, throughout it all, Okhui's story presents a message of hope and the ever-pervading power of prayer to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles. Listeners can expect to find a beautifully written memoir that is both inspiring and culturally educational. Okhui Lee depicts a vivid account of the Korean War and its aftermath that journeys across a powerful spectrum of emotions. Through Okhui's experiences, readers will gain insight into the power of prayer and faith and find inspiration to overcome adversity in their own lives. Okhui Lee's story stands out prominently from other memoirs in its honesty and vulnerability. The stories of her life are told with a rawness and authenticity that are rare and needed in the genre; readers will be moved by her willingness to share the most intimate moments of her life. The book's exploration of the role of prayer in Okhui's life is also unique and will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and beliefs. In summary, A Girl from Busan is a bold and moving memoir that offers a deep look through the eyes of a woman who faced tremendous adversity and found strength in her faith. The personal anecdotes and intimate moments will move readers, and they will be inspired by the message of hope and the power of prayer. A Girl from Busan is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of resilience, faith, and the human spirit.
- GenresMemoir
410 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
4 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 6, 2025
This was interesting. A memoir by a woman who pretty much made her money by first working in, and then owning, hostess bars. She was able to do this on Oahu, which means she was good at it.
I enjoyed reading most of it, except for towards the end, where a whole chapter (though short) was like reading an evangelical church sermon.
I enjoyed reading most of it, except for towards the end, where a whole chapter (though short) was like reading an evangelical church sermon.
September 24, 2024
A Girl from Busan is a powerful autobiographical memoir by Okhui Lee, detailing her life of immense hardship, loss, and faith. Through personal anecdotes, the memoir offers a poignant portrayal of the Korean War, immigration challenges, cultural differences, and the struggles of raising a family abroad.
The story begins with a turbulent childhood in a dysfunctional family marked by rejection, a theme that lingers throughout her life. Lee’s resilience in the face of personal struggles, including her marriage to a U.S. serviceman, her career as a burlesque dancer, and her ventures into business, captures the reader’s attention, making this a story of survival and transformation.
Okhui’s unwavering faith and the power of prayer are central themes, offering readers a moving and inspirational message of hope in the face of adversity. The memoir stands out for its raw honesty and vulnerability, providing an intimate glimpse into the strength of the human spirit.
The story is incredibly emotional and resonates profoundly, offering insight into the curses and redemptions that affect multiple generations of a family.
I absolutely loved how the book explores historical elements from the Korean War and its aftermath, taking readers on a powerful emotional journey. It delves into themes such as immigration to Hawaii, cultural conflicts, and the pain of a family curse, including Okhui’s struggles with her son’s addiction. Yet, through it all, the narrative shines with a message of hope and the enduring power of prayer to overcome life’s greatest challenges.
Moreover, Okhui’s recounting of life in Haiti, both before and after the devastating earthquake, adds another layer of richness to the memoir. These cultural insights are among the book’s strongest features, offering the reader a rare look into diverse societal contexts.
In a nutshell, A Girl From Busan is an intriguing read for those interested in memoirs, especially those covering vast cultural and geographical terrains.
The story begins with a turbulent childhood in a dysfunctional family marked by rejection, a theme that lingers throughout her life. Lee’s resilience in the face of personal struggles, including her marriage to a U.S. serviceman, her career as a burlesque dancer, and her ventures into business, captures the reader’s attention, making this a story of survival and transformation.
Okhui’s unwavering faith and the power of prayer are central themes, offering readers a moving and inspirational message of hope in the face of adversity. The memoir stands out for its raw honesty and vulnerability, providing an intimate glimpse into the strength of the human spirit.
The story is incredibly emotional and resonates profoundly, offering insight into the curses and redemptions that affect multiple generations of a family.
I absolutely loved how the book explores historical elements from the Korean War and its aftermath, taking readers on a powerful emotional journey. It delves into themes such as immigration to Hawaii, cultural conflicts, and the pain of a family curse, including Okhui’s struggles with her son’s addiction. Yet, through it all, the narrative shines with a message of hope and the enduring power of prayer to overcome life’s greatest challenges.
Moreover, Okhui’s recounting of life in Haiti, both before and after the devastating earthquake, adds another layer of richness to the memoir. These cultural insights are among the book’s strongest features, offering the reader a rare look into diverse societal contexts.
In a nutshell, A Girl From Busan is an intriguing read for those interested in memoirs, especially those covering vast cultural and geographical terrains.
August 9, 2024
A Girl from Busan is an interesting memoir about Korean born Okhui Lee.
Lee has lead an eventful life. Her early childhood was marked by a dysfunctional family and significant rejection from her parents and many other relatives. In her adulthood she married a US serviceman who facilitated her move to the United States. Her life was very fascinating in that she was a burlesque dancer and bar owner, among other entertainment-based projects.
There is a very strong religious undertone to the memoir. Towards the end the religious focus is more direct and it is an extreme transition from the earlier aspects of the story.
Though I found the story very interesting, the story lacked an emotional depth. Lee recanted her many experiences, but I didn’t get enough introspection from the author. I wondered if she had considered how her own early family rejection was a theme that guided her behaviors as an adult and may have colored her relationships with her family, her own children, and the men she entertained. I think the story could have been even more powerful if Lee had truly explored her feelings and behaviors and how they may have impacted her life. Ultimately, I am very glad that I read this memoir. I just found that I wanted more information on her personal relationships and maybe less focus on her business dealings.
Despite the somewhat detached storytelling, A Girl From Busan tells a fascinating story. In particular, learning about the cultural differences between the US and Korea was illuminating. Further, even learning about Hawaii and how it also has different cultural realities to the mainland US was very interesting. I also greatly enjoyed her providing a glimpse into life in Haiti both before and after the devastating earthquake.
If you are interested in memoirs and especially if you are someone with a strong religious identity, then this is definitely a book worth checking out.
Lee has lead an eventful life. Her early childhood was marked by a dysfunctional family and significant rejection from her parents and many other relatives. In her adulthood she married a US serviceman who facilitated her move to the United States. Her life was very fascinating in that she was a burlesque dancer and bar owner, among other entertainment-based projects.
There is a very strong religious undertone to the memoir. Towards the end the religious focus is more direct and it is an extreme transition from the earlier aspects of the story.
Though I found the story very interesting, the story lacked an emotional depth. Lee recanted her many experiences, but I didn’t get enough introspection from the author. I wondered if she had considered how her own early family rejection was a theme that guided her behaviors as an adult and may have colored her relationships with her family, her own children, and the men she entertained. I think the story could have been even more powerful if Lee had truly explored her feelings and behaviors and how they may have impacted her life. Ultimately, I am very glad that I read this memoir. I just found that I wanted more information on her personal relationships and maybe less focus on her business dealings.
Despite the somewhat detached storytelling, A Girl From Busan tells a fascinating story. In particular, learning about the cultural differences between the US and Korea was illuminating. Further, even learning about Hawaii and how it also has different cultural realities to the mainland US was very interesting. I also greatly enjoyed her providing a glimpse into life in Haiti both before and after the devastating earthquake.
If you are interested in memoirs and especially if you are someone with a strong religious identity, then this is definitely a book worth checking out.
October 31, 2024
It's always interesting to read someone's life story. The author is a very brave woman. I found the first (out of 3) part of the book about her memories from post-WWII korea very interesting and I learnt a lot about the reality of life for her and her family, finding that mostly the female had it harder.
The rest of the book, once she moved to the US whilst also interesting resonated a lot less with me.
The writing can feel a bit amateur and the timeline and people a bit chaotic (a timeline and family tree would have been useful for a confused reader). It could also use a bit of introspection about what is the point of telling this life-story (besides faith). This woman has experienced so much and I feel that a better story-telling and deeper reflexion could have brought this book to the next level.
The rest of the book, once she moved to the US whilst also interesting resonated a lot less with me.
The writing can feel a bit amateur and the timeline and people a bit chaotic (a timeline and family tree would have been useful for a confused reader). It could also use a bit of introspection about what is the point of telling this life-story (besides faith). This woman has experienced so much and I feel that a better story-telling and deeper reflexion could have brought this book to the next level.
June 10, 2024
What a story! This book has it all - a childhood in wartime poverty to marrying an American solider, moving to the United States and entering the world of burlesque, the scathing bar scene of the ’70’s, and her son’s addiction. And above all, her faith. It is raw. It is real. It’s a great read that had me cheering for a good outcome. Just knowing someone went through all of this and came out on top, shines a beacon of hope on the rest of us. Recommended. Best wishes on your community and the rebuild of the church!
March 26, 2025
I enjoy inter generational books, and this was no exception. The book tells the story of a childhood in wartime, of a woman marrying an American solider and moving to the United States. To earn her keep, she starts dancing. There is a lot about addiction and faith, from her parents to her children.
October 18, 2024
Just a chronological book of her life. Not a good story and nothing about it was interesting. I still read it in two days because I’m feeling illiterate recently.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews