Translations of Beauty: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Description

Translations of Beauty maps the tender yet tumultuous relationship of twin sisters Inah and Yunah, from their early years in South Korea to their coming-of-age in Queens, New York. At the heart of the narrative -- told from Yunah's intimate, engaging point of view -- is an unforgettable event from their childhood: an accident that disfigured Inah for life, and the overwhelming sadness and guilt Yunah feels at having been spared. Now that Inah and Yunah are adults, each in search of her own identity while trying to remain true to traditional family values, they must find a way to negotiate their past and become the people they dare -- and dream -- to be.
Emotionally charged and thought-provoking, Translations of Beauty is an insightful saga of the immigrant experience that will resonate with all readers.

Reviews

"[A] bittersweet tale about the meaning of race, kinship, and success."
-- The New York Times
"[R]emarkable and playfully original."
-- Evergreen Review
"[B]eautiful."
-- Booklist
"[A]n atmospheric and powerful work."
-- KoreAm Journal
"It's time for Mia Yun's distinctive and enriching talent, rooted in a vision utterly new to our marveling eyes, to find the wider recognition it deserves."
-- Cynthia Ozick

Author Bio

Mia Yun was born and raised in South Korea. She received her Master's Degree in Creative Writing from City College of New York. Her first novel, House of the Winds, received wide critical acclaim, and she has lectured extensively at literary events and universities. She has also worked as a reporter, translator, and freelance writer, and she is currently the Korea correspondent for the Evergreen Review. She lives in New York City. Visit her website at www.miayun.com.