CRYING IN H MART
By Michelle Zauner
Publisher: Vintage
The daughter of a Korean mother and Jewish American father, and leader of the indie rock project Japanese Breakfast, describes creating her own identity after losing her mother to cancer.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Michelle Zauner's memoir, "Crying in H Mart," is a poignant exploration of grief, identity, and the intricate bonds between mother and daughter. Zauner, known for her musical career as Japanese Breakfast, delves into her personal history with unflinching honesty, offering readers a deeply intimate narrative.
The memoir opens with Zauner's visits to H Mart, a Korean-American supermarket chain, where the sight of familiar foods triggers memories of her late mother, Chongmi. This setting serves as a powerful backdrop for the author's reflections on her Korean heritage and the complexities of her relationship with her mother. Zauner's prose is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the sensory experiences of food and the emotional weight they carry. As noted by NPR, the book "powerfully maps a complicated mother-daughter relationship cut much too short" and provides "a rare acknowledgement of the ravages of cancer in a culture obsessed with seeing it as an enemy that can be battled with hope and strength." ([bookmarks.reviews](https://bookmarks.reviews/reviews/all/crying-in-h-mart/?utm_source=openai))
However, while the memoir's emotional depth is commendable, some critics have pointed out moments where the prose becomes overwrought. Publishers Weekly observes that "the prose is lyrical if at times overwrought," suggesting that the narrative occasionally leans too heavily into its poetic inclinations. ([bookmarks.reviews](https://bookmarks.reviews/reviews/all/crying-in-h-mart/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the detailed descriptions of Korean cuisine, though rich and immersive, may at times slow the narrative's momentum. The Atlantic's Mayukh Sen notes that "as lovely as Zauner's indulgent sketches of meals are, they slow her momentum... But agile writers know how to mine food for emotional truth, and Zauner finds her footing as Crying in H Mart progresses." ([bookmarks.reviews](https://bookmarks.reviews/reviews/all/crying-in-h-mart/?utm_source=openai))
Despite these critiques, the memoir has been widely acclaimed for its raw portrayal of loss and the search for identity. Kirkus Reviews describes it as "a tender, well-rendered, heart-wrenching account of the way food ties us to those who have passed." ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michelle-zauner/crying-in-h-mart/?utm_source=openai)) Zauner's candidness in sharing her experiences allows readers to connect deeply with her story, making it a resonant read for anyone who has grappled with grief or the complexities of familial relationships.
In conclusion, "Crying in H Mart" is a deeply moving memoir that offers a nuanced exploration of love, loss, and cultural identity. While it occasionally veers into overly ornate prose and detailed culinary descriptions that may slow the narrative, its emotional honesty and evocative storytelling make it a compelling read. Highly recommended for those seeking a heartfelt and introspective memoir.
Recommendation: Highly recommended.
written on: 5/1/2025