LOST SOMETHING?

No. reviewers 526K+
Rating 4.3 - 4.4
85%+ rated 4 or 5 stars 

Crying in H Mart is a poignant memoir by Michelle Zauner, lead singer of the indie band Japanese Breakfast. The book centres around Zauner's relationship with her mother, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the deep emotional impact of her loss. Through her reflections on food, culture, and identity, Zauner delves into the complexities of being Korean-American and the ways in which food—particularly the dishes her mother prepared—served as a bridge between her heritage and her sense of self.

As she navigates grief and loss, Zauner explores themes of family, connection, and the search for meaning in the face of death. The memoir combines humour, heartbreak, and vivid storytelling, all while reflecting on the power of food and family to shape identity and memory.

What reviewers loved

Emotional Depth and Honesty: Zauner's vulnerability and candidness in addressing grief, family, and her mother’s illness resonate deeply with readers. Her emotional openness creates a powerful connection, making her loss feel intensely personal.

Beautiful Writing and Imagery: Many reviewers praise Zauner's lyrical prose, which captures the rawness of grief while painting vivid pictures of her experiences with food, family, and culture. Her descriptions of meals and shared moments are particularly evocative.

Exploration of Cultural Identity: Readers appreciate the thoughtful exploration of Zauner’s Korean heritage, particularly her relationship with her mother’s culture and how food played a key role in connecting her to her roots. It’s a nuanced portrayal of what it means to navigate multiple identities.

The Power of Food as Memory: The book’s focus on food as both a cultural and emotional touchstone is widely admired. Zauner’s exploration of how food is intertwined with family love, tradition, and loss adds a unique layer to her memoir.

Insight into Grief and Healing: Many readers found Zauner's reflections on grief to be both moving and cathartic. Her journey of healing—though messy and non-linear—feels authentic and relatable, particularly for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Narrative Structure: Reviewers often mention how the book’s structure—weaving together memories, reflections, and personal stories—enhances its emotional impact, making it more than just a chronological retelling of events.

Heartfelt and Universally Relatable: While the memoir is deeply personal, Zauner’s experience of loss, love, and identity touches readers from all backgrounds, making the book universally relatable despite its particularities.
 
Excessive Focus on Food: A common criticism from readers is that while Crying in H Mart is marketed as a memoir about grief, it often veers too far into detailed descriptions of food, which some found to be excessive and distracting. 

Inconsistent Portrayal of the Mother: Some readers felt that the relationship between Zauner and her mother, which had been marked by tension, emotional distance, and even toxicity, shifted too abruptly into a positive light, making it felt untruthful or overly sentimental. 

Feels Like a Personal Therapy Session: Some readers felt that Crying in H Mart read more like a cathartic exercise for the author rather than a memoir intended to engage a wider audience. The writing sometimes come across as a "trauma-pushing" narrative, leaving readers feeling as if they’re reading a private journal rather than a well-rounded exploration of loss.