Canadian Chinese lawyer Ariadne “Ari” Hui feels unappreciated, undermined and misunderstood at work. Despite her dedication and powerful work ethic, her hopes to be instrumental in a giant case are dashed by a brand new rent who occurs to be white—identical to the remainder of her co-workers. But her work strife is briefly forgotten when she returns residence to seek out an unfamiliar man sleeping on her couch. The good-looking stranger seems to be Choi Jihoon, her roommate’s charming cousin who’s visiting from Seoul, South Korea. Ari is initially proof against spending time with him, however Jihoon’s joyful way of living helps liberate her from her stifling beliefs about work and life. The cool, reserved Ari finds herself melting—till she discovers what Jihoon does for a dwelling.
Lily Chu’s candy, entertaining The Comeback could have readers rooting for the 2 very completely different characters at its coronary heart. Ari is constantly relatable, and her efforts to be a superb daughter and fulfill her father’s want for her to have a profitable profession are laudable. While the portrayal of the racial politics of Ari’s office will be didactic at occasions, Chu does successfully spotlight the variability of cultural misconceptions and insensitivities that plague Ari, corresponding to when individuals assume that as a result of she is Chinese, she ought to converse Chinese, or that, on the very least, her dad and mom ought to have an accent. The mysterious Jihoon is equally intriguing as he skulks round Toronto with Ari earlier than revealing his secret. It’s clear that each lack a agency sense of self, and their particular person journeys to know what they really need make for a gratifying learn.
The story’s eventual foray into dazzling Seoul provides to the enchantment, with Chu credibly portraying the stylish costumes, enigmatic personalities and big fan bases of Ok-pop stars. She balances out the dazzle of this world by additionally displaying how its denizens should decide to hourslong rehearsals, surrender their autonomy and endure a definite lack of privateness.
Filled with tender moments, The Comeback will delight followers of rom-coms like Last Tang Standing and Crazy Rich Asians.
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