What does it feel like, to live as some of the first generation of immigrants/ transracial adoptees with Korean heritage in America? On Friday, October 11th, both the Fairfax and Korea campuses of George Mason University, along with the city of Fairfax, hosted a cross-continental literary event, “Fall for the Book.” For the first time, participants at the Songdo campus were able to join via teleconference.
This year, two Korean-American authors introduced their novels and shared their personal life experiences. This was followed by a Q&A session. First, Eugenia Kim, who immigrated with her family to America after the Pacific War, introduced her novel “The Kinship of Secrets,” which recounts the narrative of two biological sisters who were separated at birth due to the Korean War. Many historical elements of war and displacement inspired her to write a book that reflects upon refugees, displacement and broken relationships. Author Alice Stephens chronicled a similar yet different narrative through her novel “Famous Adopted People.” She introduces the lives of two Korean-American women, Lisa and Mindy, who are transracial adoptees like herself.
Much as Stephens explained, the process of getting to know the background and cultural past of South Korea has led her to a strong, bond with the past community of cultural, identity and heritage.
Written by Hyunseon Kim | Staff Writer
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