#54 The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim. This story is mixed with strong women, Korean tradition, war, and the trials of life moving from one generation to another. Kim has created interesting women characters in a traditional family setting. Sheridan Hay, on the back cover, says,"....Kim beautifully chronicles both the lost world of a traditional Korea and the lost childhood of her remarkable heroine."

This book made me consider a family's subtle ways of showing love, fear, encouragement, disgust, anger, and hope. Culture, place, and time would all play an important part. The difficulties of family life and tradition became strengths that helped this family survive war, separation, and all kinds of loss. I'm glad it had a happy ending.