Discrimination: Racial Insensitivity/Racism,Discrimination: Sexism,Illustrations/Images: Blood/Gore,Language: Moderate Language,Sexual Content: Strong Sexual Content/Themes,Violence: Sexual Assault/Rape,Violence: War/Harsh Realities of War
A delicate, timeless, and breathtaking coming-of-age story.
The critically acclaimed and award-winning cartoonist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim returns with a stunning addition to her body of graphic fiction rooted in Korean history. Adapted from Park Wan-seo’s beloved novel, The Naked Tree paints a stark portrait of a single nation’s fabric slowly torn to shreds by political upheaval and armed conflict.
The year is 1951. Twenty-year-old wallflower Lee Kyung ekes out a living at the US Post Exchange, where goods and services of varying stripe are available for purchase. She peddles hand-painted portraits on silk handkerchiefs to soldiers passing through. When a handsome young northern escapee and erstwhile fine artist is hired despite waning demand, an unlikely friendship blossoms into a young woman’s first brush with desire against the backdrop of the Korean War at its most devastating.
Gendry-Kim brings a masterpiece of world literature to life with bold, expressive lines that capture a denuded landscape brutally forced into transition and the people who must find their way back to each other within it. Available for the first time in English, this edition of The Naked Tree is exquisitely translated by award-winning expert Janet Hong.
“Artists from a Time I Loved,” with photographs. Black-and-white and color illustrations.
Topics Seoul, South Korea. Korean War (1950–1953). Textile painters. Artists. Mothers and daughters. Graphic-novel adaptations.
Trim Size 8 1/2" x 6"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2023-08-21
JLG Release Date Oct 2023
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Graphic Novels High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
Graphic Novels High Plus
Graphic Novels High Plus (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
This collection features immersive graphic novels that combine striking visuals with rich storytelling. Selections span a wide range of genres and styles, offering engaging narratives that appeal to both avid and reluctant readers. Some selections are written for adults but are thoughtfully chosen for their relevance and appeal to teen readers.
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