We Do Not Part

In her new novel, Nobel Prize winner Han (Greek Lessons) weaves historical events with the present. Character Kyungha, who recently published a book on a Korean massacre, suffers from nightmares and an inability to eat. She is close to Inseon, a former documentary filmmaker who now makes her living as a carpenter. When Inseon has a serious accident, she sends Kyungha to her home on the island of Jeju to take care of her bird. In spite of a massive snowstorm, Kyungha reaches the island. During her visit, Kyungha learns from Inseon and her mother, who appear as apparitions, about a massacre on Jeju from 1948 to 1949 that claimed the lives of more than 30,000 civilians, including children. Inseon’s mother lost her brother and cousin. Inseon’s father was tortured but survived. The government, backed by the United States, attempts to eradicate those they considered communists. Meanwhile, the Korean government keeps silent about the massacre, but over time, the truth surfaces.