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A deeply personal memoir that explores grief, identity, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The book beautifully weaves Zauner’s love for Korean food with her struggles to process the loss of her mother, creating an evocative portrait of cultural connection and emotional healing.

Zauner’s writing shines when she delves into the sensory details of food, using it as a metaphor for her attempts to hold on to her Korean heritage and memories of her mother. These moments feel heartfelt and universal, offering readers a poignant lens into the role of culture in shaping identity.

However, the narrative can feel uneven at times. While the emotional core of the book is strong, some parts delve too heavily into the minutiae of Zauner’s experiences, which can feel repetitive or overly drawn-out. Additionally, I found the musical references and parts about her career as an artist a bit disconnected from the central themes of grief and cultural exploration, making it harder for me to stay fully hooked.

Crying in H Mart is an intimate and raw exploration of loss, but it may not fully resonate with readers seeking a more tightly structured or expansive memoir. Despite its imperfections, the book is a touching tribute to family, culture, and the ties that bind us even in the face of loss.