Please look after Mother is the story of Park So-nyo, who gets separated from her husband in a crowded subway station in Seoul. The story begins with her children beginning a search for her by printing and distributing fliers all around Seoul, in the hope that someone would help them find their mother.
The story is narrated from the perspectives of the mother, daughter, son and husband. Initially, the style of the narrative (in second person) is tedious to read, but once you settle into a rhythm, the story goes on smoothly. The premise of the story is true universally for all mothers and especially so in an Asian setting. In general mothers are taken for granted by children and in this story one can relate to the sacrifices made by Park So-nyo for her family all the while not expressing her thoughts on her situation even when her health is failing.
The characters of Hyong Chol, her favorite child and Chi-Hon the writer daughter are the ones who begin the active search for their mother. And this leads to them wondering how well did they know the woman who was their mother. It is heart rending when they find out that they do not have a recent photo of their mother.
The book feels melancholic as it progresses, mainly because it makes you reflect on your own relationships. It also makes you realize that we should take the time to know those we love.
However, among the five children of which only four are alive, the book describes the view of just two children and fails to mention the views of the other two children. That said it is a bitter sweet but interesting story of post war Korean society and the burden women carry single handedly on their shoulders.
No comments:
Post a Comment