American Hagwon

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee – Paperback

From Min Jin Lee, the acclaimed author of Pachinko, comes American Hagwon, an ambitious family saga exploring migration, education, ambition and the sacrifices parents make for their children. Spanning countries and generations, this moving novel examines the pursuit of success and the meaning of a good life.

When John and Helen Koh and their three children face betrayal and the upheaval of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, they leave Seoul in search of a more secure future. Their journey takes them to Sydney and eventually California, where the family confronts new challenges, changing identities and the difficult choices that come with starting over.

About This Book

As the Koh family rebuilds its life across continents, John and Helen struggle to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings where their qualifications and past achievements count for little. They place their hopes in education, believing it will give their children opportunities and security they could not attain themselves.

Through the lives of the Kohs, their relatives, friends and adversaries, American Hagwon explores the complex relationship between family duty and personal dreams, asking what we sacrifice for those we love and what truly makes a life meaningful.

What You'll Discover

• A sweeping family saga spanning Korea, Australia and the United States
• The challenges of immigration, displacement and rebuilding a life
• The pressures of education, ambition and parental expectations
• Questions of identity, belonging, love, work and fulfilment
• The sacrifices families make in pursuit of a better future

Perfect For

• Readers who loved Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
• Fans of multigenerational family sagas and literary fiction
• Readers interested in migration and the immigrant experience
• Those drawn to stories about family relationships and generational expectations
• Readers who enjoy novels exploring ambition, education and the meaning of success

Why You'll Love This Book

American Hagwon combines intimate family relationships with the larger forces of history, migration and economic change. With its exploration of parental sacrifice, educational ambition and the search for belonging, this compelling novel invites readers to reflect on what families owe one another—and what it means to build a good life.