Who could’ve expected Michelle Zauner, indie-pop superstar of the band “Japanese Breakfast”, to write one of the best selling novels of 2021? Well, almost nobody. Yet, the book has been welcomed with open arms by thousands of avid readers globally. And most certainly, Michelle’s coveted new publication has lived up to the hype.
Crying in H Mart, which originated from a 2018 “The New Yorker” essay, blossomed into a heart wrenching memoir in remembrance of Michelle’s mother. Michelle delved into her experiences growing up as an asian-american in America; illustrating the weird glances she received for unpacking traditional Korean food within school cafeterias, and her vacations in the summer to visit her overseas family. Yet most importantly, Michelle deeply explored her relationship with her mother through methods such as food; referencing dishes like jjamppong and ppeong-twigi, which resurfaced her relished memories of the two together. The text spans the timeline of Michelle’s early childhood, all the way to the present day. Earlier chapters seem almost radiant, when name-dropping many Asian stores, locations, and experiences which are almost never mentioned within Western Media (Asian Americans will definitely feel a sense of deja-vu). However, the later chapters presume a much darker tone, as they left no sugar coating around the hard process of losing a parent. Raw, real, and undefined emotions all exhibited themselves transparently; as if straight from Michelle's consciousness to the reader's fingertips.
This memoir provides an introspective look not only into life as an Asian-American, but a glance into the process of grief. Especially in an era of asian hate crimes, and many witnessing their loved ones' deaths (both notably stemming from COVID-19), this writing could not have arrived at a better time.
Standing as a much needed Asian-American representation within western media, descriptive wordplay, heartbreaking language, and sensible humor were neatly tied together to create a page-turning writing. Precious memories woven with added commentary of Michelle’s present consciousness, leaves a product deserving of placement within everyone’s “to-read list”. In short, Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart, is a memoir which will leave a lasting legacy.
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