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Min Jin Lee in a black jumper over a white shirt, resting her head on one hand and leaning forwards onto a white-washed wooden table
Cover of "American Hagwon" by Min Jin Lee. Blue background with a large red apple in the middle. A strip of apple is peeled to reveal a Chinese landscape, with small people walking towards it

The Observer Book Club with Min Jin Lee

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7:30 PM

Fiction

Tickets

Tickets £15 / £32 for ticket and a copy of American Hagwon (RRP £22)

This event is now on sale to MLF Get Closer Members. Tickets go on general sale 10am Thursday 13 August. Memberships start at £25 per year - for full details click HERE.

Acclaimed Korean American author Min Jin Lee, internationally celebrated for the bestselling Pachinko, discusses her long-awaited new novel, American Hagwon.

Spanning decades and continents, this sweeping contemporary epic follows three generations of one family as they navigate migration, identity, sacrifice and the enduring pursuit of a better life.

Beginning in South Korea before moving through Australia and the United States, American Hagwon is a panoramic novel of profound emotional richness, exploring the bonds of family, the transformative power of education and the choices we make for those we love.

One of today's most acclaimed and insightful novelists, Min will reflect on her exploration of family and diaspora and the themes that have captivated readers since Pachinko. Hosted by Erica Wagner.

‘A profoundly generous and humane novel about duty, family and the dream of a better life … I was fully absorbed by the fates of the Koh family … Masterful’. Douglas Stuart

‘An absolutely propulsive read. If your faith in either humanity or storytelling has dimmed, American Hagwon will make it blaze again.’ Kamila Shamsie

Co-presented with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester.

Min Jin Lee is the author of the internationally bestselling novels Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko. Pachinko was selected as one of the New York Times ‘100 Best Books of the Century.’ She is the New York State Author Laureate (2025 – 2027), recognised for her outstanding contribution to contemporary literature.

This event will be recorded for The Observer Book Club podcast, which is hosted by the Observer's Literary Editor, Tom Gatti. The Observer Book Club brings to life great stories, ideas and debate. You can listen in your preferred podcast app.

Essential Companion tickets are free for disabled customers who would face significant barriers to attending events without the support of another person. If you require an Essential Companion ticket, please contact boxoffice@contactmcr.com

Venue Info

Contact
Oxford Rd
Manchester
M15 6JA

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