Book Review: I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong
Sometimes, a novel emerges at just the right moment, luring you in with its compelling premise and leaving you with food for thought long after the final page. Such was my experience with Jinwoo Chong’s sophomore effort, I Leave It Up to You. The title alone evokes a sense of surrender and possibility, begging the question: what happens when life hands you a second chance you didn’t ask for?
In this poignant tale, we meet Jack Jr., who awakens from a two-year coma to find himself back in his family’s struggling Korean-Japanese sushi restaurant in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The vibrant yet complicated tapestry of family dynamics, queer identity, and the immigrant experience unfolds as Jack navigates the delicate balance between familial obligations and his quest for self-discovery. Chong expertly weaves these themes together, grounding them in relatable emotions and richly drawn characters.
Chong’s writing style strikes a lovely balance between humor and heartbreak. The opening scene, where Jack mistakenly calls his male nurse Ren, the husband he lost during his coma, sets the tone for a story filled with both laughter and poignant realizations. As Jack grapples with his new reality—finding his fiancé moved on and his career vanished—readers experience his disorientation deeply. It’s a delicate portrayal of someone caught between life’s expectations and personal desires, and the emotional core of the book resonates profoundly.
The family dynamics are particularly striking. Jack’s relationship with his father, Appa, unfolds with a blend of tension and tenderness that feels authentic. Jack is faced with the weight of cultural expectations, perfectly encapsulated in their sushi bar interactions. The multi-dimensional characters, including Jack’s pragmatic mother, recovering alcoholic brother, and the aspirational yet troubled teen employees, each contribute to a complex familial landscape reflective of immigrant realities.
Chong’s exploration of Jack’s developing relationship with Emil, the nurse who cared for him, is equally impactful. Their relationship unfolds with a beautiful sense of restraint and hesitation, mirroring Jack’s journey of healing and self-acceptance. One particularly moving scene at a bathhouse delves into Emil’s struggles with trauma, grounding their romance in shared experiences of loss and recovery.
The culinary backdrop of the sushi bar serves not only as the family’s livelihood but also as a vivid metaphor for cultural identity. Jack’s conflicted connection to the family restaurant mirrors his own struggles with heritage and belonging, beautifully articulated through moments like selecting and preparing fish. Such vivid passages underline Chong’s skillful craftsmanship, allowing the food to narrate its own story of tradition and familial bonds.
Despite its strengths, I Leave It Up to You isn’t without minor flaws. It occasionally wrestles with pacing issues and underdeveloped side characters—particularly Jack’s mother—while some elements, like a TikTok subplot, feel a touch forced. Yet, these points don’t overshadow the emotional depth and layered storytelling that truly make this book shine.
Ultimately, I Leave It Up to You is more than just a family drama; it serves as a reflective mirror for anyone grappling with the messy complexities of love, loss, and identity. For readers who appreciate nuanced portrayals of family dynamics, cultural tension, and the struggles of queer identity, this book offers a rich experience. Personally, it left me pondering what it means to reclaim one’s life in the face of unexpected challenges, and I believe it will resonate with anyone navigating their own multifaceted existence.
If you’re looking for a read that challenges you while simultaneously allowing for warmth and laughter, Jinwoo Chong’s latest novel is a beautiful choice that will linger in your thoughts.
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