If You Leave Me

If You Leave Me (2018) is the debut novel of Crystal Hana Kim that was recognized as one of the best books of 2018 by The Washington Post,[1] ALA Booklist,[2] and others.

[3][4][5][6][7] This historical fiction novel takes place during the Korean War and focuses on the life of a refugee, Haemi Lee, and her family.

[8] Haemi Lee, a refugee of the Korean War, is forced to move to Busan with her mother and younger brother Hyunki, who suffers from a severe illness.

Haemi, bored with her routine life, begins to work for a nearby hospital as a nursing assistant, helping tend to wounded soldiers and prisoners of war.

[9] The novel discusses themes including the role of women in East Asian society and the increase of gender inequality during times of war.

The author, Crystal Hana Kim, intends to question the acceptance of technological advances and how fast these changes should take the place of traditional ideas during a time of occupation.