E.J. Koh, the author of the multi-award winning memoir The Magical Language of Others, talks about her debut novel, The Liberators — an elegantly wrought family saga of memory, trauma, and empathy that begins at the height of the military dictatorship in South Korea and echoes for generations to come.

The couple at the center are Insuk and Sungho who are arranged to be married and move from South Korea to San Jose, California with an infant and Sungho’s overbearing mother-in-law. Adrift in a new country, Insuk grieves the loss of her past and her divided homeland, finding herself drawn into an illicit relationship. Throughout the novel, E.J. draws exquisite portraits and testimony from guards, prisoners, perpetrators, and liberators that span continents and four generations of two Korean families forever changed by fateful past decisions made in love and war.

E.J. Koh talks with Toronto-based art and storytelling facilitator Erin Kang about The Liberators, a powerful and poetic account of a divided country and the impact of that division on the Korean diaspora.

About this event’s guests:
E.J. Koh
Erin Kang

This event is part of our signature Salon Series, where we host local and international authors, artists and thinkers in conversation about their new books and big ideas.

It is also part of our Asian Heritage series, generously supported by TD Bank Group, through the TD Ready Commitment.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

E.J. Koh: The Liberators