Three Generations [First Edition stated]

Three Generations charts the tensions in the Jo family in 1930s Japanese-occupied Seoul. Yom's keenly observant eye reveals family tensions with profound insight. His characters are so alive that if you cut the pages they might bleed. Delving deeply into each character's history and beliefs, he illuminates the diverse pressures and impulses driving each one. This Korean classic also brings forth the larger issues at hand, revealing Korea's situation under Japanese rule, the traditional Korean familial structure, political movements of the 1930s (both national and international), and the battle between the modern and the traditional. Touted as one of Korea's most important works of fiction, Three Generations gave birth to naturalism in Korean literature. Best representing the Seoul dialect of the time, Yom is celebrated for his contributions to the Korean literary cannon; Three Generations remains a mandatory read for high school students. The long-awaited public

One of the most important writers in Korea. Seoul Culture Award (1953), Asia Freedom Literature Award (1956), National Academy of Arts' Contribution Award (1957), March 1st Culture Award (1962), Korean President's medal (1962). Jailed for his involvement in the independence movement.