cover image The Korean Word for Butterfly

The Korean Word for Butterfly

James Zerndt. CreateSpace, $10.95 ISBN 978-1-4839-9747-6

Zerndt’s latest is a moving novel about consequences and redemption, and the unusual crossing of four lives, set in an foreign country. Billie and her boyfriend, Joe, try to escape their pasts in the States and refresh their relationship by moving to South Korea to teach English. In addition to the usual culture shock, particularly the different educational style, Billie must navigate the South Korean medical system after an unforeseen event, which drastically affects her feelings for Joe. Meanwhile, Moon, a school employee, attempts to repair his relationship with his wife and son after a terrible choice causes him to reevaluate his life. He begins to bond with Joe over their shared love of music; however, he must make a difficult choice when he discovers something about Billie and Joe that threatens their positions. Yun-ji is a school employee grappling with an alcoholic father who hates the Americans living in his country. An encounter with an American soldier causes her to question her own feelings. Tensions rise after two Korean girls are accidentally run over by an American tank; this event leads to all the main characters gathering at once in an climactic encounter. Each chapter alternates between the main characters, fleshing out each’s story. A solid read with a well-constructed plot, Zerndt’s novel deftly captures many personal difficulties of its characters. (BookLife)