Hanay Kang Angell’s memoir, A Life Lived on Three Continents, offers an intimate look at one family’s remarkable journey across borders and cultures. Angell recounts her life with a blend of vivid nostalgia and introspection, chronicling her experiences growing up in South Korea, starting anew in the United States, and adapting to life in Dubai. It’s a heartfelt tale of resilience, adaptation, and the search for identity in a constantly changing world.
The story begins with Angell’s childhood in post-war South Korea, a time marked by her family’s financial struggles and her father’s harsh temperament. Her older sister, Soya, emerges as a guiding figure, helping her secure opportunities in the United States. After their father’s death, the family relocated to Queens, New York, where Angell began a new chapter. She worked for companies like Lord & Taylor and Pan American, eventually meeting and marrying Adam, a native New Yorker. Together, they raised two children, Carla and Ryan, and embarked on a new adventure by moving to Dubai when the children were young. There, Adam established a law firm, and Angell discovered a passion for furniture design, creating a fulfilling yet unconventional life abroad.
Angell’s narrative delves into the complexities of immigration, not just the initial transition but also the ongoing evolution of identity and family dynamics. She reflects on how moving between cultures reshaped her understanding of self and the bonds within her family, noting, “The only option was to adapt and rediscover the meaning of self-existence with adjusted expectations.” The memoir also captures the universal challenges of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities.
The book is rich with cultural insights, offering vivid depictions of South Korea, the bustling life of New York City, and the unique environment of Dubai. While the memoir’s reflective tone is engaging, its reliance on summarization sometimes detracts from emotional immediacy. Scenes that fully immerse the reader in poignant moments are sparse, and sections set in the present lack the compelling momentum of Angell’s recollections.
Despite these minor flaws, A Life Lived on Three Continents is a deeply personal and relatable memoir. Angell’s exploration of family, identity, and resilience makes this a compelling read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience and the universal quest for belonging.
