American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee

American Hagwon – Min Jin Lee

Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Fiction / Family Saga
Recommended audience: Adult readers

A sweeping, multigenerational story about family, immigration, ambition, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of a better future.

When betrayal and the 1997 Asian financial crisis turn their comfortable life in Korea upside down, John and Helen Koh move their family across continents, eventually settling in Southern California. As they struggle to rebuild their lives in a new country, their hopes become deeply intertwined with their children's education and future success.

Spanning decades and following a family through changing landscapes and generations, Min Jin Lee explores the complexities of belonging, parental sacrifice, cultural identity, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream.

A powerful and deeply moving portrait of family, resilience, and the ties that hold us together.