Title- In Limbo
Author- Deb JJ Lee
Publisher- First Second Books
Pages- 357
Rating- 5/5
Summary- Deborah (Jung-Jin) Lee's family had emigrated from South Korea to the USA when she was very small. While growing up, she's always felt that neither does she fit into the Korean society (as she cannot speak the language) nor does she belong to the Americans (as she looks so different from them and also has a name which her teachers find it difficult to pronounce). As she starts high school, she struggles with her studies and also with the society's behavior towards her. At home, she is unable to fulfill her mother's expectations which is often met with ill treatment by her mother. A time comes when she is unable to find peace neither at home nor outside and grapples with mental health. Gradually she starts finding solace in art, gets happiness by taking care of herself and also by coming close to her roots. This book is her graphic memoir.
Review- This was a perfect read for me and I almost flew through it. It is a coming of age story which focusses on mental health and what it feels like to be an Asian in USA. The simple knowledge that the author had to go through so much pain is very heart-wrenching. The book gives the readers a lesson to be kind to each other. It gives a message to parents to deal with their children in a compassionate way so that they don't forget that their children are human beings too, not machines to fulfill their wishes. The artwork inside the book and the cover page is just marvellous and definitely deserves praise.
This book clearly shows that instead of abusing our kids, if we put effort in understanding their problems, then it can save them from a lot of danger. It will provide them a safe space to pour out their feelings instead of making them intimidated. This is a must-read book for every person especially those who are parents.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC of the book.
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