A Life Lived on Three Continents is a heartfelt journey through Hanay Kang Angell’s experiences growing up in Korea, adapting to life in the United States, and exploring a new world in the United Arab Emirates. The book captures the universal struggles of identity, resilience, and belonging, weaving them with Angell’s unique perspective as a woman navigating life across vastly different cultures. Her story is deeply personal yet universally relatable, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and grow.

What struck me most was Angell’s poignant storytelling, particularly in recounting her early life in Korea. Her vivid descriptions of family dynamics, such as the pressure on her mother to produce a male heir or the challenges posed by her father’s absence, offer an intimate glimpse into traditional Korean culture. I felt a pang of empathy as she narrated her struggles as the overlooked child in a large family. One of my favorite moments was her depiction of her grandfather, whose saintly presence and love of calligraphy became an anchor of warmth in her otherwise tumultuous childhood. Moments like these showcase Angell’s ability to blend personal and cultural history seamlessly.

The second section of the book, detailing her immigration to the United States, felt both inspiring and raw. Angell doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties of adapting to a new country while wrestling with feelings of alienation. I admired her candor in discussing the double-edged sword of being an immigrant. Her narrative about meeting her husband on a flight and later navigating an interracial marriage in a predominantly Caucasian community was heartfelt and eye-opening. I found her reflections on balancing her Korean heritage with American expectations to be some of the most moving passages in the book.

Her life in the United Arab Emirates, the third continent in her journey, brought a burst of color and adventure to the narrative. I was enchanted by her descriptions of desert landscapes and the fascinating cultural crossroads she experienced there. However, the shadows of personal struggles, such as her husband’s career challenges and her own feelings of inadequacy, kept the story grounded. Angell’s reflections on motherhood during this period were particularly touching, capturing the joy and sacrifices that come with raising children while chasing personal aspirations.

Angell’s writing is honest and introspective, often leaving me feeling as though I were sitting with her, sharing a cup of tea as she unfolded her life’s tapestry. Her decision to embrace her imperfections and find peace with her past felt like a gentle nudge to do the same in my own life. While Angell’s detailed descriptions add richness to her narrative, there are sections, particularly those that delve deeply into historical or familial context, that I feel are prolonged and detract from the emotional momentum of her personal journey.

I’d recommend A Life Lived on Three Continents to anyone who enjoys memoirs steeped in cultural exploration and personal growth. It’s perfect for readers who value stories of resilience, identity, and the ever-evolving search for belonging. Angell’s journey left me feeling reflective, inspired, and grateful for the resilience within us all.

Pages: 268 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DK8966YD