Brooklyn author’s debut novel explores war, forbidden love and motherhood
Crystal Hana Kim’s debut “If You Leave Me” is a sweeping tale of war, family, motherhood and forbidden love — the unforgettable saga of three intertwined lovers in Korea and the impossible choices they’re forced to make in the years following the civil war that still haunts us today.
When the communist-backed army from the north invades her home, 16-year-old Haemi Lee is forced to flee to a refugee camp along with her widowed mother and sickly younger brother. The family is in constant survival mode, but for a few hours each night, Haemi sneaks into a neighboring village to go bar hopping with her childhood best friend, Kyunghwan — together they drink, laugh and escape the sorrows of war.
Kyunghwan and Haemi have often flirted with romance, but Kyunghwan is so focused on finishing school he doesn’t realize that his older, wealthier cousin, Jisoo, also has his sights on Haemi. Jisoo is determined to marry the beautiful, spirited girl before joining the fight.