Literature Reviews - 2025

Review: Frankly in Love by David Yoon

A Thoughtful and Emotional Exploration of Identity, Love, and Family

David Yoon’s Frankly in Love is a coming-of-age novel that delves into themes of cultural identity, family expectations, racism, and first love. While it is marketed as a rom-com, this novel is much more than that—it is an introspective journey of self-discovery, portraying the struggles of a first-generation Korean-American teenager trying to navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and parental approval.

Plot Overview

Frank Li, a high school senior in Southern California, is a self-proclaimed "Limbo"—a term he uses to describe Korean-American kids caught between their parents’ traditional expectations and their American upbringing. His parents are strict about one thing: he must date a nice Korean girl. This becomes a problem when Frank falls for Brit Means, a white classmate.

To keep their parents happy while pursuing their own romantic interests, Frank and his friend Joy Song (who is secretly dating a Chinese-American boy) agree to fake-date each other. However, as the story unfolds, Frank begins to question whether he truly understands love, his parents, and even himself.

The novel also touches on serious issues such as anti-Blackness within the Asian community, generational trauma, and the difficulty of bridging cultural divides. Frank’s best friend, Q, is Black, and while Frank’s parents tolerate their friendship, they would never accept Q as a potential son-in-law. Similarly, Frank’s sister, Hanna, was disowned for marrying a Black man, a painful reality that Frank must come to terms with.

Characterization and Themes

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its exploration of identity and the immigrant experience. Frank's struggle to balance his Korean heritage with his American lifestyle is something many first-generation readers will relate to. His parents' racism is presented as a harsh reality, but Yoon also provides nuanced portrayals of how deeply ingrained cultural biases shape their perspectives.

The novel also examines the importance of family and the ways in which cultural expectations can be both a source of strength and conflict. Frank's relationship with his parents is complicated—they love him, but their rigid views on race and success create a barrier between them. This tension is heartbreakingly realistic, making the story feel all the more genuine.

Strengths

Authentic Cultural Representation — Yoon paints a vivid picture of Korean-American culture, including family gatherings, traditional values, and language. The use of Korean phrases and cultural references adds authenticity to the narrative.
Complex Themes — The novel tackles heavy topics such as racism, cultural identity, parental expectations, and the immigrant experience in a way that feels organic and thought-provoking.
Realistic and Flawed Characters — Frank is not always a likable protagonist; he makes mistakes, struggles with his emotions, and often fails to see his own flaws. This makes him feel like a real teenager rather than an idealized hero.
Engaging and Emotional — The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, balancing humor with heartache. Many readers found themselves tearing up at certain moments, especially regarding Frank’s family.

Criticisms

Misleading Marketing — Many readers expected a lighthearted fake-dating rom-com but instead got a much heavier and more introspective story. While this isn’t necessarily a flaw, it can lead to disappointment for those looking for a straightforward romance.
Abrupt Plot Developments — Some events, such as a major character’s coming-out and a sudden tragic incident, felt rushed or underdeveloped. The pacing can be inconsistent, with some parts of the novel dragging while others feel too sudden.
Frank’s Immaturity and Poor Decisions — While his flaws make him realistic, some readers found Frank frustrating, particularly in how he handles relationships. His treatment of Brit and Joy, as well as his emotional immaturity, may alienate some readers.
Lack of Resolution on Key Issues — The novel raises important discussions about racism within Asian communities, but some readers felt that it does not fully address these issues, particularly regarding Frank’s parents’ attitudes. Instead of challenging them, Frank’s story arc ultimately avoids confronting these problems head-on.

Final Verdict

Frankly in Love is an emotionally resonant and culturally rich novel that goes beyond the typical YA romance. While its misleading marketing and occasional pacing issues may frustrate some readers, its exploration of identity, love, and family makes it a worthwhile read. The book offers an honest, if sometimes painful, portrayal of growing up as a first-generation immigrant, making it a significant addition to contemporary YA literature.

Recommended For:

Readers interested in diverse and culturally rich YA fiction
First-generation immigrants who relate to balancing cultural expectations
Fans of introspective coming-of-age stories rather than traditional rom-coms
Those who appreciate flawed but realistic protagonists