Many thanks to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut novel by Janie Kim, wonderfully narrated by Michelle H. Lee. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!
Abby was a "drop-box baby," a Korean orphan whose mother left her as an infant. Her experience in the American foster care system was traumatic, and she sought refuge with her best friend, Iseul and her family, who welcomed her as another daughter. Abby and Iseul remain fast friends into adulthood. Abby is working at a university studying the origins of life in sea slugs. This work leads her to wonder about her birth family. But when a tragedy occurs, Abby is devastated and unsure how to go on.
This was an ambitious book, with lots of both true and speculative science, but it all works beautifully. The writing is wonderful and feels lyrical and magical. I loved the family Abby found in Iseul's home, and the characters in this book are where it truly shines as such themes of family, trauma, grief, and the importance of communication are explored. Fabulous debut!
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