One Thousand Chestnut Trees, Korean/American writer Mira Stout’s first novel, is semi-autobiographical and tells the story of a young New York artist, Anna, tracing her Korean roots. It is a stirring tale, told by Anna, her mother and her grandfather and combines Korea's epic history with a family legacy and a personal exploration. It was nominated for the IMPAC award, first runner up for the Shiva Naipaul Award and chosen for the New York Public Library 'Books for the New Year'. I was woefully ignorant of Korea, her history and her peoples before I read this book. I found the book enlightening and moving. The story is told stylishly and with great skill. Engrossing and educational: a great read!