Book Review: "I Leave It Up to You" by Jinwoo Chong
From the moment I first heard about Jinwoo Chong’s sophomore novel, "I Leave It Up to You," I knew I was in for a poignant journey. The premise—a young man waking from a two-year coma to find his life irrevocably altered—was strikingly relatable, a vivid reminder of how swiftly life can carry on in our absence. As someone who has felt the weight of familial expectations and the ache of unfulfilled dreams, I was eager to delve into this exploration of second chances, heartbreak, and humor.
Jack Jr.’s story unfolds in the backdrop of his family’s struggling Korean-Japanese sushi restaurant in Fort Lee, New Jersey, a setting that becomes a character unto itself. Chong’s writing effortlessly captures both the rich tapestry of immigrant life and the delicious complexities of family dynamics. As Jack grapples with his past—a past now crowded with unfulfilled plans and missed relationships—his emotional dislocation resonates deeply.
Chong’s portrayal of Jack’s relationship with his father, Appa, stands out as a highlight. Their moments in the sushi bar, particularly during those early morning runs for fresh fish, are tender yet fraught with unspoken tension. The bond they navigate felt so real; it reminded me of my own intimate yet complicated familial ties. The author’s ability to weave humor into these heavy themes is commendable. One early scene where Jack mistakes his male nurse for his husband immediately introduces a lightness that contrasts beautifully with the weight of Jack’s emotional journey.
In this novel, humor balances heartbreak, making it a rich reading experience. The development of Jack’s new romance with Emil, the nurse who cared for him, adds another fascinating layer. Their relationship unfolds with such gentle authenticity—slow and grounded in shared trauma—that it feels earned, not rushed. A scene in a bathhouse where Emil shares his struggles with sleeplessness due to his past experiences with COVID patients struck me as profoundly moving. It’s such moments of vulnerability that elevate the narrative, allowing readers to feel connected not just to the characters, but to the broader human experience.
Chong also shines in his vivid depiction of culinary art, using food as a metaphor for identity, tradition, and healing. Descriptions of sushi preparation are laden with emotion and cultural significance, mirroring Jack’s own struggles with his dual heritage. The sensory details resonate, evoking not just the taste of the food but the rich history it represents.
Despite its many strengths, "I Leave It Up to You" is not without its flaws. Some pacing issues and underdeveloped secondary characters occasionally detract from the immersive experience. However, Chong’s ambitious exploration of themes such as queer identity and the immigrant experience is executed with such heart that these are easily forgivable.
Final Verdict: "I Leave It Up to You" offers an intimate glimpse into the delicate dance of familial obligation and personal identity. It will resonate with anyone who has felt torn between the past and the hope for a brighter, self-defined future. This novel invites readers to reflect on their own second chances and the beautiful messiness of life—a theme that lingers long after the last page is turned.
For those who cherish stories rich in character depth and cultural nuance, this book is a must-read. Chong’s exploration of what it means to reclaim one’s life after disruption is not just well-crafted; it’s a journey worth taking. I finished reading with a weighted sense of hope, contemplating my own complicated relationships, and smiling at the thought that in life, as in good literature, we often find ourselves right where we need to be.