Genre
Literary Fiction, Historical
Setting and Context
The story takes place across different countries, mainly the United States, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea.
Narrator and Point of View
Third person omniscient
Tone and Mood
Tone: Serious, Reflective
Mood: Tense, Emotional
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Louisa; Antagonist:The political system acts as an antagonist in the novel.
Major Conflict
Serk’s disappearance causes Louisa emotional pain and affects their family because they do not know the reason.
Climax
When Louisa finally gets to meet her father, it is revealed that he was not dead all this time. Even after developing dementia, Serk recognizes his daughter.
Foreshadowing
Signs like the strange mail and the disappearance of Serk’s colleague hint that something dangerous will happen.
Understatement
Serious events like loss and trauma are sometimes described in a quiet way, which makes them feel more impactful.
Allusions
The novel alludes to real historical issues like political abductions.
Imagery
The story describes places like the beach, hospital, and prison conditions to create strong mental pictures.
Paradox
Serk is alive but dead to his family at the same time.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Memory and trauma are shown as powerful and controlling.
