Jean KwoksSearching for Sylvie Leehad quite a publication day.
So arrived national attention, widespread buzz, and an instant spot on theNew York Timesbest-seller list.
EW caught up with Lee to break down the books plot, themes, and lingering questions.
Credit: Chris Macke; HarperCollins
Below, we unpack whySearching for Sylvie Leeis developing into a summer sensation.
THERES SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
At its core,Searching for Sylvie Leeis a mystery.
[But] for me, the book was about many other things.
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It was about culture and language and compassion and understanding each other.
This points to the storys multifaceted appeal: It has layers.
If they want to read about immigration and culture and language, its also in the book.
Her characters are always judging themselves.
Ultimately, Kwok says, They are unreliable the way we all are.
But the point is, they are jarring.
Theyre jarring to me too.
Im shocked when someone says something to me.
Additional reporting by David Canfield
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