Review: “Crying in H Mart” is a beautifully written memoir about love, loss, grief and identity. 

 

Prior to reading Zauner’s work, I had known that she was a part of “Japanese Breakfast," but was not aware of all of the hardships she faced as a young adult. The memories she shared were so personal and raw. It was heartbreaking to read about the year Zauner took care of her mother. The reader is filled with devastation as they watch Zauner’s mother lose her hair and aspects of her personality to pancreatic cancer. During these moments, I especially appreciated how many of the chapters were broken up into smaller sections to make everything a bit more digestible. 

 

Another aspect of the novel I appreciated was how Zauner went to great lengths to familiarize the reader with aspects of her culture. One way she did so was through food. Zauner’s mother was born in Seoul, Korea and spent long hours making Korean dishes to stay connected with her family when she moved to the United States. After she passed, Zauner took it upon herself to learn her mother’s dishes to stay connected to her. The reader learns a lot about Zauner’s Korean half of her identity simply by reading passages dedicated to the preparation of specific dishes (note: do not read this memoir on an empty stomach) and in turn feels linked to the author. 

 

Zauner’s emphasis on food also highlights her struggle with being biracial. Before she lost her mother, Zauner spoke of wanting more than anything to resemble her white peers. After her mother departed, however, she feared the loss of the Korean half of her identity because she could not replicate her mother’s Korean dishes. This subject of belonging is a sensitive one, but I am glad it is placed at the forefront of Zauner’s memoir because many readers will resonate with her words.