A masterfully crafted debut novel that asks what it means to provide for one's family and, in answer, delivers a story as riveting as it is profound.
"Gripping" New York Times
"A marvel of skill and execution" LA Times
Why should a man care for his parents when they failed to take care of him as a child?
Kyung Cho owns a house that he can't afford. His credit cards and student loan debts are spiralling out of control. Despite his promising career as a tenure-track professor, Kyung and his wife, Gillian, have always lived beyond their means. Now, their bad decisions are catching up with them, and Kyung is worried for his family's future.
A few miles away, Kyung's parents, Jin and Mae, live in the town's most exclusive neighbourhood, surrounded by the material comforts that Kyung wants so badly for his wife and son. His own childhood, however, was far from comfortable - growing up, Kyung enjoyed every imaginable privilege, but never kindness or affection. He can hardly bear to see his parents, much less ask them for help. Yet when an act of violence leaves Jin and Mae unable to live on their own, the dynamic suddenly changes, and he decides to take them in. As the safe distance between them collapses, Kyung is forced to question what it means to be a good husband, father and son, while the life he knew begins to crumble and his own anger demands to be released.
As Shelter veers swiftly towards its startling conclusion, Jung Yun leads us through dark and violent territory, where, unexpectedly, the Chos discover hope.
MORE PRAISE FOR SHELTER
"Yun explores the powerful legacy of family violence ... This family drama [is] rife with tension and unexpected ironies" Publishers Weekly
"This work should find itself on best-of lists, among major award nominations, and in eager readers' hands everywhere" Library Journal
"A powerful debut, full of thrills, secrets waiting to be discovered, and lies unwrapped" LA Review of Books
"A fluidly written debut novel that explores violence and its effects on one immigrant family ... [A] layered, sometimes surprising debut" Kirkus