The captivating and exquisitely written novel "Waiting" by Ha Jin explores the intricacies of human emotion, duty, and social expectations. The story follows Lin Kong, a military physician divided between love and duty, as he navigates life in China during the Cultural Revolution.
The overarching subject of waiting resounds throughout the book, signifying both the administrative challenges Lin finds in getting a divorce and the emotional stalemate he encounters when split between two women. Ha Jin’s language is deceptively straightforward but incredibly effective, capturing the readers’ hearts and minds with its moving depiction of the characters’ inner problems.
Readers can’t help but identify with Lin Kong as he struggles with his internal turmoil since it is so expertly presented.