8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster
Saroyan Prize Winner – A Gripping Korean Family Saga of Love, War, and Survival
What's it about
Ever wondered how ordinary people find the strength to survive extraordinary hardship? Discover the gripping story of a century-old trickster, a woman who navigates the brutal history of 20th-century Korea with cunning, resilience, and an unbreakable will to live, no matter the cost. You'll follow her through eight distinct lives—from a slave to a spy, a murderer to a mother. This award-winning family saga reveals the shocking choices and clever deceptions one woman used to protect her loved ones through war, poverty, and profound loss, offering a powerful lesson in survival.
Meet the author
Mirinae Lee is the acclaimed author of 8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster, the winner of the prestigious William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Inspired by her own great-aunt, one of the oldest women to escape North Korea, Lee weaves a breathtaking saga drawn from deep personal history and meticulous research. Her background as a former journalist and her unique family connection give her an unparalleled perspective on the Korean diaspora, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling.

What's it about
Ever wondered how ordinary people find the strength to survive extraordinary hardship? Discover the gripping story of a century-old trickster, a woman who navigates the brutal history of 20th-century Korea with cunning, resilience, and an unbreakable will to live, no matter the cost. You'll follow her through eight distinct lives—from a slave to a spy, a murderer to a mother. This award-winning family saga reveals the shocking choices and clever deceptions one woman used to protect her loved ones through war, poverty, and profound loss, offering a powerful lesson in survival.
Meet the author
Mirinae Lee is the acclaimed author of 8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster, the winner of the prestigious William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. Inspired by her own great-aunt, one of the oldest women to escape North Korea, Lee weaves a breathtaking saga drawn from deep personal history and meticulous research. Her background as a former journalist and her unique family connection give her an unparalleled perspective on the Korean diaspora, resilience, and the enduring power of storytelling.
The Script
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