Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir of Two Korean Immigrant Families

In her graphic memoir, Was Their American Dream, Julie Otsuka tells the story of two Korean immigrant families in the United States. The memoir is told through a series of vignettes that capture the families' experiences with racism, discrimination, and economic hardship. Otsuka's writing is both lyrical and heartbreaking, and she paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by these families as they strive to achieve the American dream.

I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir

by Malaka Gharib

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53737 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	160 pages

FREE

The Families

The first family is the Kims, who arrive in the United States in the 1960s. The father, Mr. Kim, is a doctor, and the mother, Mrs. Kim, is a nurse. They have two children, a son named David and a daughter named Helen. The Kims are hard-working and ambitious, and they quickly establish themselves in their new country. However, they also face racism and discrimination from their neighbors and colleagues.

The second family is the Parks, who arrive in the United States in the 1970s. The father, Mr. Park, is a factory worker, and the mother, Mrs. Park, is a homemaker. They have three children, two sons named John and Michael, and a daughter named Susan. The Parks are also hard-working and ambitious, but they face even greater challenges than the Kims. Mr. Park loses his job, and the family is forced to move into a cramped apartment in a dangerous neighborhood.

The American Dream

The American dream is the idea that anyone can achieve success in the United States if they work hard enough. However, as Otsuka's memoir shows, the American dream is not always easy to achieve, especially for immigrants. The Kims and the Parks face a number of challenges in their pursuit of the American dream, including racism, discrimination, and economic hardship. However, they never give up hope, and they eventually achieve their goals.

Was Their American Dream is a powerful and moving memoir that tells the story of two Korean immigrant families in the United States. Otsuka's writing is both lyrical and heartbreaking, and she paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by these families as they strive to achieve the American dream. Was Their American Dream is a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience in the United States.

I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir

by Malaka Gharib

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	53737 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	160 pages

FREE