I absolutely adored this book - Susan Choi is such a talented writer. Louisa, Anne, and Serk are all so well drawn and fascinating both individually and collectively. I thought this book would actually make a good pairing with Pachinko, as I felt like it covered a bit of a similar era of history in sections, and I loved that. There were just so many little sections I underlined as well, because they were so true or so well written or I just wanted to remember them. I can’t recommend this book enough.

In *Flashlight*, Susan Choi's latest novel, the author of *Trust Exercise*, readers are introduced to one family’s complicated history.

The basic premise follows an ethnically Korean father, who was born and raised in Japan, as he disappears one night while taking his young daughter for a stroll on the beach. However, this story is far from basic.

The narrative shifts through the perspectives of different family members, starting in the late 1940s and continuing to the present day. Just as a flashlight can illuminate a specific area while unable to reveal all, the characters struggle to reveal the bigger picture. As we navigate through each family member's story, we encounter their standoffish and private nature, compounded by the secrets they keep from each other.

This novel unveils the family's secrets spaning generations, different countries, and memory. Although I found the pacing challenging at times, I would recommend this novel. This slow unveiling is worth it. Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for the ARC.

4.5 stars

Flashlight by Susan Choi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.25/5)

This short story is quintessential Susan Choi—layered, introspective, and hauntingly precise. "Flashlight" dives into the strained relationship between a daughter and her ill mother, examining grief and longing in all their messy forms. I loved how Choi crafts Louisa, a precocious yet deeply flawed character who feels so real you might cringe at her sharp observations. The narrative is unsettling, and while it's slow-paced, every detail feels intentional, making you pause and reflect.

Some parts of the story felt a little too bleak, and I wanted more resolution. Still, this is a deeply moving read that lingers long after. Perfect for fans of literary fiction who appreciate character-driven stories.