An Evening with Min Jin Lee

Born in Seoul and raised in Queens, Min Jin Lee is the preeminent author of the Korean diaspora. A masterful storyteller who illuminates the complexities of identity, migration, and belonging with great empathy, her novels have been recognized with some of the highest honours in the literary world.

Lee made a stunning debut with Free Food for Millionaires, a national bestseller named one of the top books of the year by USA Today, The Times of London, and NPR. Her follow-up, Pachinko, has become a modern classic. A finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction and runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, it was named to both Kirkus Review and The New York Times’ Best Books of the 21st Century, and was on over 75 best books of the year lists.

For this special occasion, which marks Lee’s first-ever event in Canada, Lee discusses her latest novel, American Hagwon. The third book in what will form her diaspora quartet, American Hagwon centers on the Koh family and their all-consuming faith in education as the key to success and security. Writer Roxane Gay praised the new work as “a novel I didn’t want to end” with “grand ambition, fierce heart, and the tenderest hope.” Gain insight into one of today’s most celebrated writers as she launches her newest masterpiece.