'A Doll for a Day: Growing Up in Post-War Korea'

By William R. Jones

I read a memoir published in 2019 by Choi Kyung-shin (Shin Freedman) which is an account of the author's personal experience in South Korea from the end of the Korean War up to 1971. It is 186 pages of informative reading that projects you into the times and scenes of those years.

Indeed, it serves as a chronological record of significant events often with explanations, and some of the occurrences and circumstances you will be familiar with. If you have not grown accustomed to South Korea, then you will be as the author presents a modest pouch of Korean glossary and a sprinkling of folktales and proverbs.

The work is an excellent introduction to the Korean way of life and you shall discover a bit of change in the last six decades. Nevertheless, there is a commitment to transmit established attitudes, values, goals, and practices to succeeding generations.

Much was done to overcome the hunger and poverty of the times, and at times there were incidents of misbegotten deeds. Choi's work will arouse within you negative and positive feelings and sensibilities. The primary title resides in one chapter as well, which brought tears to my eyes as three sisters shared a scarce toy.

In spite of economic conditions and environmental factors, Choi was able through sheer willpower to persist and persevere to gain an education. There was great obsession with education, especially for sons, but not so much for daughters. You might conjure that Choi had “education fever,” however, not under duress for she liked school and learning. She did not fail to remember and acknowledge those who tried to ameliorate her particular and difficult circumstances. Those true names and places are mentioned and you will know some of them.

I wish not to give away all the anecdotes, but when you come to the “Kyungjoo Story” you will read that the author was class leader and missed the bus for the historical and rite of passage class trip. She writes: “My smugness at being the smartest one in my class was shredded when I realized that I did not know everything. And I should never be late again.”

Upon reading “The Recycling Expert I Became,” you will be impressed unexpectedly with her resourcefulness and discovery of a new way to get snacks from vendors, rather than by credit.

Agave americana was one of the ornamental plants growing in the high school greenhouse. The author and a high school friend carved their names on its leaves. Of course, it was discovered what they did to “Yongsulnan's” beauty. The principal and horticulture teacher decided upon extra chores in the greenhouse for punishment. The author did not mind that at all as it was a favorite place for her during her high school years.

There are other pages and no less than seven vintage photos that will appeal to you. Choi made every word tell. In her memoir, there are rich deposits of gold for her children, grandchildren, and all of us. It is a clear, brief, bold, and pleasurable read.

Choi is a faithful, careful, and honest writer with style. I invite you to read her work which will appear as a gentle reminder to some and as a branch of new knowledge to others.

The author (wrjones@vsu.edu) published the novella, “Beyond Harvard,” and presently teaches English as a second language.