Who Ate Up All the Shinga?: An Autobiographical Novel

Park Wan-suh is a best-selling and award-winning writer whose work has been widely translated and published throughout the world. Her novel, Who Ate Up All the Shinga?, is an extraordinary account of her experiences growing up during the Japanese occupation of Korea and the Korean War. It portrays the pervasive ways in which collaboration, assimilation, and resistance intertwined within the Korean social fabric before the outbreak of war, and her portrait of her mother is an enigmatic role model for her daughter.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Park Wan-suh, a renowned and celebrated writer, has seen her work extensively translated and published across the globe. Her remarkable memoir, Who Ate Up All the Shinga? offers a poignant and captivating account of her childhood during the Japanese occupation of Korea and the Korean War. Born in 1931 in a small village near Kaesong, Park grew up with a deep belief that the entire world was Korea, and every individual within it was Korean. However, the encroachment of the Japanese occupation began to disrupt her idyllic life, shaping her experiences and perspectives.

In her memoir, Park vividly portrays the characters and events that shaped her young life. With a sharp wit and insightful perspective, she delves into the complex interplay of collaboration, assimilation, and resistance within the Korean social fabric. One of the most captivating aspects of the book is Park's portrayal of her mother, a resilient widow who navigated the challenges of the occupation with a mixture of resistance and conformity. Her mother becomes an enigmatic role model for Park, inspiring her to confront the harsh realities of her circumstances while maintaining a sense of resilience and identity.

Park's memoir seamlessly blends historical detail with universal themes, creating a tale that is both captivating and deeply moving. Her writing style is elegant and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of her childhood and immersing them in the complexities of the Korean War era. Through her memoir, Park offers a powerful reflection on the human experience, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the complexities of navigating oppressive systems.

Who Ate Up All the Shinga? has received widespread acclaim and recognition, earning Park numerous awards and accolades. Her memoir has been translated into multiple languages and has been widely read and studied in schools and universities around the world. Park's storytelling ability and her ability to capture the essence of a complex historical period make her a truly exceptional writer.

In conclusion, Park Wan-suh's memoir, Who Ate Up All the Shinga? is a remarkable testament to the human spirit and the resilience of the human mind. Through her vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Park offers a powerful exploration of the complexities of a historical period that continues to resonate with readers worldwide. Her memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the human experience.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 134 x 202 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231148993