Min Jin Lee's Free Food for Millionaires weaves a rich tapestry of ambition and identity struggles, capturing the Korean-American experience with nuanced detail. Critics praise its multifaceted characters and compelling prose. However, some feel it occasionally delves into melodrama and could benefit from tighter editing. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and immersive read.

Readers who enjoy The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri or Shanghai Girls by Lisa See will appreciate Free Food for Millionaires. They typically seek immersive narratives on cultural identity, family dynamics, and personal ambitions, with a focus on the Korean-American experience and rich character development.

Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee follows the life of Casey Han, a young Korean American graduate navigating her personal and professional challenges in New York City during the late 1990s, dealing with cultural identity, family dynamics, and her uncertain career path. The novel explores topics such as substance abuse, gambling addiction, domestic violence, and pregnancy loss.

Contemplative / Inspirational / Emotional / Melancholic / Challenging

**Casey Han**  
Casey is the protagonist, a Korean American woman navigating the complexities of cultural identity and socioeconomic challenges while striving to find a fulfilling career and meaningful relationships.

**Ella Shim**  
Ella is a beautiful Korean American woman from a wealthy family, who is known for her empathy and grows in independence and resilience through personal challenges in her life.

**Leah Han**  
Leah is a modest and religious Korean American woman, the mother of Casey and Tina, known for her beauty and her quiet yet fierce love for her family.

**Unu Shim**  
Unu is a calm and pragmatic Korean American man with a gambling problem, who is Casey's love interest and works on rebuilding his life while offering support to Casey.

**Sabine Jun Gottesman**  
Sabine is a wealthy and independent Korean American woman in her forties, serving as Casey's mentor and surrogate parent, known for her ambitious and risk-taking nature in business.

Min Jin Lee

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Works”

Part 1, Chapters 1-8

Free Food for Millionaires Part 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 9-15

Free Food for Millionaires Part 1, Chapters 9-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Plans”

Part 2, Chapters 1-8

Free Food for Millionaires Part 2, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-14

Free Food for Millionaires Part 2, Chapters 9-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Grace”

Part 3, Chapters 1-7

Free Food for Millionaires Part 3, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 8-15

Free Food for Millionaires Part 3, Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

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Free Food for Millionaires Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Free Food for Millionaires

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