Por favor cuida de mamá (Please Look After Mom) is a novel written by the South Korean writer Kyung-Sook Shin. It tells the story of an elderly woman who goes missing in a crowded Seoul subway station. The family members, who are all busy with their own lives, come together to search for their mother, and in the process, they discover things about her that they never knew before. The novel explores the themes of family, love, sacrifice, and regret.
Plot Summary
The novel opens with the family of Park So-nyo, a 69-year-old woman from a rural village, who has gone missing in a crowded subway station in Seoul. Her husband, children, and grandchildren are all worried and frantically searching for her. As they search for her, they reflect on their relationship with their mother and wife, and they realize that they have taken her for granted.
The novel is divided into four parts, each narrated by a different family member. The first part is narrated by the eldest daughter, Chi-hon, who feels guilty for leaving her mother behind and moving to the United States. The second part is narrated by the eldest son, Hyong-chol, who is a successful businessman but neglects his family. The third part is narrated by the youngest daughter, So-nyo, who tells the story of her mother's life and the sacrifices she made for her family. The fourth part is narrated by the husband, who reflects on his love for his wife and their life together.
As the family members search for their mother, they discover things about her that they never knew before. They realize that she had a hard life, and she sacrificed her own dreams for her family. They also realize that they have not been there for her when she needed them the most.
Characters
The novel has several characters, but the main ones are:
- Park So-nyo: The mother and wife who goes missing in the subway station.
- Her husband: A hardworking man who loves his wife dearly.
- Chi-hon: The eldest daughter who lives in the United States and feels guilty for leaving her mother behind.
- Hyong-chol: The eldest son who is a successful businessman but neglects his family.
- So-nyo: The youngest daughter who tells the story of her mother's life and sacrifices.
Themes
The novel explores several themes, including:
- Family: The novel explores the relationships between family members and how they take each other for granted.
- Love: The novel shows the depth of a mother's love for her family.
- Sacrifice: The novel explores the sacrifices that Park So-nyo made for her family.
- Regret: The novel shows how the family members regret not being there for their mother when she needed them the most.
Book Details
| Author | Kyung-Sook Shin |
| Original title | 엄마를 부탁해 (Eomma-reul Butakhae) |
| Translator | Chi-Young Kim |
| Country | South Korea |
| Language | Korean |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Vintage Books |
| Publication date | April 5, 2011 |
| Pages | 272 |
FAQ
1. Is this book available in other languages?
Yes, the book has been translated into several languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
2. Is this book based on a true story?
No, the book is a work of fiction.
3. What is the age group for this book?
The book is suitable for adults and young adults.
4. What is the reading level of this book?
The reading level of this book is intermediate.
Reference Source
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/206014/please-look-after-mom-by-kyung-sook-shin/
Por favor cuida de mamá is a heartfelt story of a mother's love that will make you appreciate your own mother and the sacrifices she has made for you. The novel is beautifully written and will touch your heart. You can download or buy this book using the link above.
