ARC Review: “The Noh Family” by Grace K. Shim

“The Noh Family” by Grace K. Shim

Publishing Date: May 3, 2022

Genre: Contemporary, YA, Fiction

Page Length: 384 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

When her friends gift her a 23-and-Me test as a gag, high school senior Chloe Kang doesn’t think much of trying it out. She doesn’t believe anything will come of it–she’s an only child, her mother is an orphan, and her father died in Seoul before she was even born, and before her mother moved to Oklahoma. It’s been just Chloe and her mom her whole life. But the DNA test reveals something Chloe never expected–she’s got a whole extended family from her father’s side half a world away in Korea. Her father’s family are owners of a famous high-end department store, and are among the richest families in Seoul. When they learn she exists, they are excited to meet her. Her mother has huge reservations, she hasn’t had a great relationship with her husband’s family, which is why she’s kept them secret, but she can’t stop Chloe from traveling to Seoul to spend two weeks getting to know the Noh family.

Chloe is whisked into the lap of luxury, but something feels wrong. Chloe wants to shake it off–she’s busy enjoying the delights of Seoul with new friend Miso Dan, the daughter of one of her mother’s grade school friends. And as an aspiring fashion designer, she’s loving the couture clothes her department store owning family gives her access to. But soon Chloe will discover the reason why her mother never told her about her dad’s family, and why the Nohs wanted her in Seoul in the first place. Could joining the Noh family be worse than having no family at all?

Review:

Following the story of Chloe, The Noh Family is a YA novel that explores family as our main character is on a quest to find out more about her family lineage. She loves being close to her mom but can’t help but wonder what her dad was like (as her mom doesn’t say much about him). Additionally, getting ready to transition from high school to college Chloe tries to navigate all the feelings of starting a new chapter in her life. She feels a bit left behind as her friends are going away to school and she’ll be staying back in Oklahoma. But when a chance to connect with her family in Seoul arrives what will happen?

Not only is this a story about family but this is a novel that will instantly appeal to K-Drama lovers too. Chloe is an avid K-Drama watcher and the author, Shim drops plenty of nods to popular shows and K-Drama cliches making it an overall fun reading experience. The travel aspect also makes it entertaining as we get to see Chloe experience Seoul through her eyes for the first time. I love how the story takes readers through the underground shopping malls, themed animal cafes, delicious food stands, and more.

Though Chloe’s dream of being reunited with her family seems like a dream in Korea, reality comes crashing down quickly. She soon learns her family is not as ordinary as she thought and owns multiple luxury fashion department stores. The trip becomes a whirlwind of emotions as Chloe feels like an outsider in her own family and experiences culture shock as she tries to learn more about her dad’s background. It’s a lot for Chloe to take in and she tries to enjoy her trip the best she can. This leads to many emotional and heartfelt moments which are tucked into the narrative among its wanderlust aspects.

What I appreciated most about this novel is that it really tackles the thoughts and feelings surrounding moving towards the next chapter of your life. Chloe is trying to determine what career she really wants to pursue and not what others tell her to do. This trip is a way for her to make her own choices while finding the definition of what family means to her. It reminds readers that big decision can be scary but ultimately you have to do it’s best for you. I really enjoyed this novel thoroughly and all of its entertaining K-Drama elements.

Final Verdict:

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.