Umma, at the Edge of Memory

Growing up in the U.S. as a South Korean immigrant, Sunny Pak's life was shaped by duty, love, loss, and joy. At its center is her unbreakable bond with her mother, formed in the midst of her parents' troubled marriage, addiction, and the pressures and small victories of starting over in a new country. Born of necessity, protection, and shared grit, their relationship is a fierce interdependence that brings both comfort and tension, directing the course of their lives in unforgettable ways. As her mother's memories begin to fade under the weight of dementia, Sunny confronts the emotional cost of caregiving and the quiet grief of losing a parent who is still alive. She explores the complexities of identity and family loyalty, navigating the space between who we were taught to be and who we hope to become. Umma, at the Edge of Memory is a memoir of survival, reinvention, and the imperfect bonds that define us. Written with unvarnished truth and unrelenting humor, it is a moving reflection on love, resilience, and the complicated ties between mothers and daughters.