When My Name Was Keoko

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618133356

PLOT SUMMARY

In When My Name Was Keoko, Park tells the story of Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII.  The story is told from the perspective of young Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

When My Name Was Keoko is told from the alternating perspectives of Sun-hee and Tae-yul.  The story begins with the children having to give up their Korean names and adopting Japanese names in their place, a requirement from the occupying Japanese government.  As the story continues, the children’s family must endure other hardships enforced by the Japanese.  As children, Sun-hee and Tae-yul do not always understand what is happening or the larger implications of the Japanese occupation.

Both of the main characters are likeable children.  Boys may relate better to Tae-yul and girls may relate better to Sun-hee.  By using both characters, Park gives readers of both genders a main character with whom they can identify.  Although the siblings often quarrel, their love for each other is evident, especially when Tae-yul joins the Japanese army.

The theme of pride for one’s heritage is present throughout this book.  The children’s uncle first introduces them to the Korean flag, but must do so subversively as the Japanese have outlawed it.  He teaches the children about the flag and gives the children hope that the flag will fly again one day:

“It is against the law to fly this flag—even to put up a picture of it.  Korea is part of the Japanese Empire now.  But someday this will be our own country once more.  Your own country” (p. 14).

Both children remain optimistic that Uncles’ words are true and that one day they will be living under the Korean flag again.

The Author’s Note at the end of the book adds to the historical authenticity of this story.  In addition to the Author’s Note, Park provides and extensive bibliography.

Cultural markers are thoroughly incorporated into this story.  Specifically, forms of address are explained in a foreword.  The culture is specifically identified as Korean.  The Kanji form of writing is also explained several times throughout the book.  In addition to the Korean focus of the book, the story explores Japanese cultural markers as well, especially noting the difference between the Korean and Japanese cultures.

Most historical fiction novels set during WWII focus on the European experience during the war.  This novel presents a unique, authentic, and engaging perspective.  I highly recommend this novel. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly”  “A brother and sister alternate as narrators in Newbery Medalist Park's (A Single Shard) well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea. The Japanese government forbids the Korean language to be spoken and the country's flag to be flown, and even forces Korean families like Tae-yul and Sun-hee's to change their names (Sun-hee becomes Keoko). Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society; and the father's process of choosing the family's Japanese name speaks volumes about his strength and intelligence. As the war intensifies, each family member asserts his or her individuality, from Sun-hee, who continues to keep a journal after a soldier calls it "a crime against our Divine Emperor," to her uncle, who prints a revolutionary newspaper in hiding, to Tae-yul, who joins the Japanese army to avoid helping the military police capture his uncle only to be chosen as a kamikaze pilot. The son comes to an understanding of his father rather abruptly at the novel's close, and some readers may wonder why Tae-yul was not labeled a chin-il-pa ("lover of Japan" ). But, in the end, telling details provide a clear picture of Sun-hee and Tae-yul and their world. Readers will come away with an appreciation of this period of history and likely a greater interest in learning more about it.”

Kirkus Review:  “This powerful and riveting tale of one close-knit, proud Korean family movingly addresses life-and-death issues of courage and collaboration, injustice, and death-defying determination in the face of totalitarian oppression.”

CONNECTIONS

The following books by Linda Sue Park might appeal to readers who enjoyed When My Name Was Keoko:

Linda Sue Park. A Single Shard. ISBN 0395978270

Linda Sue Park. The Kite Fighters. ISBN 054732863X