Overall, what did you think of "This Burns My Heart"?

I liked the book very much. Always a treat to read a story with another country's setting. What I might have done with such a conflict as Soo-Ja's, would have been so different because of the difference between Korea's and USA's mores. I'd have been outta there in a flash--when I'd realized the great mistake I'd made!

Absolutely, we have so many more choices here in the States. The book illustrated how very different our two cultures are.

What else did you enjoy about the story? Did you like Park's writing style?

Lisa

I loved this book. I started a little slow for me. I thought the grammar was awkward and some of the metaphors were strained. I was initially surprised that it was written by an english professor. But the story captured me and I was able to get beyond all of that. Great story, encouraged me to think

As a frequent visitor to Asia (but never Korea), I was eager to read a novel set in this elusive country. In my opinion, Parks did not capture the female voice in a realistic manner. The flowery, extravagent language of the book is not an accurate reflection of the setting and plot line. I did not believe the characters, especially Soo-Ja, not did I really care about the plot line. It was a tedious read. I'm still waiting for an engaging novel set in Korea. I won't suggest this book for my book groups.

I burned through this book. I am always fascinated by other cultures and this was the first time I've read a fictionalized account of Korea. From the time I read the first page, I had a hard time putting the book down and walking away. It is amazing to me that women are still so tethered to what we in America consider birthrights. I think we take these freedoms for granted and assume that women in other countries have the same freedoms. I enjoyed the writing and was thoroughly engaged in the plot.

I also loved this book. The cultural aspects were great, the characters well delineated and the plot was exciting, believable and kept me reading it non stop!

I really enjoyed this book. I have recommended it to others and passed it on to my mother in law. My daughter in law is Korean. She was adopted and American, but it was interesting to read about the Korea probably was when she was born there.

I enjoyed it very much. I also had not read much about Korean culture and found it fascinating. It definitely kept my attention. I was very sympathetic to her situation. I will pass this one on.

Anyone read other novels set in Korea, or Asia in general, you'd recommend reading? It's already been noted it's a great favorite for its setting and depiction of Korean culture and people. Whether you enjoyed the read or not, are there other books you'd recommend that are similar in theme or setting?

I also thought it started out slow, but I am glad I stuck with it.

i read this one in an afternoon. It started out slow up picked up rapidly. I enjoyed the story line and the Korean aspect. I have not read much on Korea so that was quite ineresting to me. I have already suggested it to my book club.

Loved this -- Can't wait for his next novel. The writing was so beautifully elegant, the descriptions so vivid, It was as if I was watching it unfold on a stage or screen before me! Amazing!

Loved the book. I read it in 2 nght The writing was awesome and the character descriptions made you feel that you knew the characters.

I enjoyed the book very much. I knew little of Korea other than the battles fought there. It gave me a good insight into the culture and foods. I was surprised and keep double checking that the author was a man. Samuel Park did an exceptional job of getting into the feelings and hearts of women. He must be a very sesitive person to the needs of the opposite sex. He seemed to understand things that you would think that only another woman would know.

I was excited to read a novel about Korea because it seems to be a contry that is generally ignored by novelists, at least those who publish books in the US. I enjoyed the poetic language and the descriptions.

I enjoyed the book and read it in about 2 days. I felt the author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader into Korean culture. As with others, I felt it started off a little slow but it was easy to become involved in the lives of the characters such that I was compelled to continue reading to see what was going to happen.

I'm glad everyone reported positive opinions about the book! I liked it for the light it cast on Korean society, its marriage customs and the position of women in the post-war era. The plot moved along well and the characters showed a lot of growth by the end of the novel. I'd definitely like to read more Asian fiction.

I loved the book.... It is always interesting to read and learn of the customs of other countries..I didn't want it to end..

I wasn't sure whether I was going to like a book that talked about this period in Korean history. Have not ever read anything from that period. It is very well written and gives a good indication of life at that time. Family dynamics were very interesting. Not sure things have totally changed.

I really liked the book. It made me think and evaluate my own life and priorities.
I am a book blogger and here is a link to my book review. I hope you can stop by and read it.

http://booksnob-booksnob.blogspot.com/2012/05/this-burns-my-heart-by-samuel-park.html

Once I started reading this book, it was hard for me to put down. It's very interesting to read about other customs even though it was a novel.