Books on 20th century Korea: The Calligrapher’s Daughter
Books on 20th century Korea cover a dramatic part of Korean history. Starting from the demise of the Joseon period and its royal family to super-fast industrialisation and modernity.
The novel The Calligrapher’s Daughter (2009) by Korean American writer Eugenia Kim gives a captivating look into life in the early 20th century.
Synopsis
Najin is a young woman from an aristocratic family in Korea during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945). We follow the trials and tribulations of the lives of Najin and her family from her childhood to the end of the war when she is a married woman.
Set in Changing Times
The fascinating point of the book is that the story is set during MAJOR changes in Korea. Najin’s family has to endure a lot of hardship under Japanese rule. And there is a lot of Western influence too.
Her father in particular struggles to adapt to this new era as his aristocratic lifestyle turns to dust. Although he comes from the nobility, his name means nothing under foreign rule. But he tries to keep his traditional Confucian values including running a patriarchal home.
A Patriarchal Society
As a female reader, I felt frustrated with Najin’s father’s attitude. He is a distant figure who doesn’t seem to consider his daughter very much. He doesn’t believe she needs to go to school and when she’s 14 he tries to marry her off to a family he considers appropriately noble.
But that’s another plus point of this story: we can reflect on different times. (although of course patriarchal attitudes still exist today!)
The details of the daily lives of the family also reveal what a traditional aristocrat’s Confucian home was like at the time.
The women live in separate quarters and Najin helps her mother and their cook with chores. They take meals to her father in his quarters where he lives and works and entertains guests. His main concern is to have a son and heir who he hopes will also become a master calligrapher too.
Pace and Tone
The story moves at a gentle pace. And I was drawn into this slower pace of life which was all about endurance and respect and doing one’s duty. And yet, despite all Najin’s challenges, the tone is more matter-of-fact than sorrowful which I also like.
Related posts on books on 20th century Korea
What is the most important post war Korean novel?
Who are some contemporary female writers?
Book Review: Park Chung Hee from Poverty too Power
For a drama set during this period see Mr Sunshine. Here’s my review: Mr Sunshine.
Challenges for the traditional calligrapher
I was particularly interested in the role of calligraphy in the story. Up until the end of the Joseon period, calligraphy had been considered a necessary skill for educated noblemen. And Najin’s father was a noteworthy calligrapher who had done commissioned work for the royal family.
But now the royal family is no more and only the Japanese can afford to buy luxury artwork.
related posts on calligraphy:
Books on Korean Calligraphy: Beyond Line
What are the different styles of hangul scripts?
Challenges to Cultural Identity
Throughout the story, we never forget that this is life in an occupied country.
For instance, one day the calligrapher goes out and speaks to some local children. Of course he speaks in Korean. But he’s shocked because they don’t seem to understand him. They only speak Japanese.
There is also a noticeable Western influence. And by the end of the book most people are wearing Western clothes. Only the calligrapher and other elderly people continue to wear hanbok.
The country as he knew it has disappeared.
Thought-provoking stuff. I really enjoyed this book.
related posts on books on 20th century Korea
What is the most important post war Korean novel?
Who are some contemporary female writers?
Book Review: Park Chung Hee from Poverty to Power
see more from dramasrok about life in Korea on Facebook Pinterest and Instagram
