In What My Mother Left Behind, Jade finds a mysterious photograph after her mother goes missing. The image shows a young woman smiling beside an unknown man, sparking Jade’s quest to uncover family secrets and confront parts of Korean history she thought she understood. The novel, written by Yoonhee Oh, weaves personal and collective memories through a dual narrative that follows both mother and daughter. This approach allows readers to explore how individual stories can reflect broader historical and social contexts. The story unfolds as Jade pieces together her mother’s past, revealing hidden truths that challenge her understanding of her family. The photograph becomes a symbol of the unresolved past, leading Jade into a journey of discovery that intertwines personal loss with larger historical events. Yoonhee Oh, the author, brings a unique perspective as a novelist and journalist with two decades of international experience. Her work combines investigative rigor with narrative depth, focusing on themes of social division and forgotten memories. An excerpt from What My Mother Left Behind will be published on November 6 by the publishers L'Aube, offering readers a glimpse into the novel’s themes and style. The book has already drawn attention in literary circles, particularly at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2024, where it was noted as a fresh voice in Korean literature. This recognition highlights the novel’s potential to resonate with a global audience, blending intimate storytelling with historical reflection. Yoonhee Oh’s background in journalism informs her ability to craft narratives that are both emotionally engaging and socially insightful. Her work in What My Mother Left Behind reflects a growing interest in stories that explore the intersections of personal and collective memory. As Jade’s journey unfolds, readers are invited to consider how the past shapes the present, and how uncovering hidden truths can lead to healing and understanding.