“A Step from Heaven” by An Na is a novel describing the story of an immigrant family from South Korea. Young Ju is barely five years of age when her parents immigrate to the U.S. The family immigrates to America amidst chaos created by Apa, Young Ju’s father. Young Ju is happy about America because her grandmother described the place as heaven. Finally, when the family gets into America, Young Ju realizes it is not heaven. Tim, one of her uncles sympathizes with her and declares that maybe the U.S might be “a step from Heaven,” hence the title of the book.
Life is hard in America contrary to their expectations. America’s culture is also different from that of South Korea. Young Ju is enrolled in the school and every day she informs her parents about what has been learned on that particular day. Uhmma, Young Ju’s mother gives birth to a baby boy called Park Joon Ho. Culturally, South Korean fathers are not so much attached to their daughters. Therefore, when Joon is born, Apa favors him over Young Ju. Young Ju is not happy about her father.
Apa and Uhmma work hard to fend for their family. In the same way, Young Ju works hard in school to obtain good grades. She also befriends a girl called Amanda. Apa is not happy about the friendship between Young Ju and Amanda. Young Ju is secretive and keeps her family affairs out of the discussion. On the other hand, Amanda invites and introduces Young Ju to her family. Apa spots Young Ju being dropped by Amanda and her parents at the library. He beats her but Uhmma protests that action. Apa turns to Uhmma and starts beating her also. Young Ju calls the police and Apa is arrested. The following day Apa goes back to South Korea.
