Dreamt I Found You

In this inspired outing from Han (The Apology), a Korean American woman views her troubled love life through the lens of a classic Korean story of star-crossed lovers. Channing and her cousin Dahee heard the “The Tale of Chunhyang” when they were nine from their grandfather, Harabeoji. Both were captivated by the story, especially Channing, who fantasized about finding a love like Chunhyang, the daughter of a courtesan, did with nobleman Mongryong. At 30, Dahee is a New York City second-grade teacher, while Channing, who quit school in 11th grade, has recently found work as a nanny to two young children in her hometown of East End, Mass. Kent Cho, who works for the mayor of East End, has become obsessed with Channing, but she’s in love with a young man named Minjae. Dahee and Harabeoji come to visit, and the cousins binge-watch a TV adaptation of the folktale. The novel gets a bit far-fetched when Kent accuses Channing of stealing his expensive watch and has her jailed, but Han keeps readers in suspense, wondering whether Dahee will be able to help Channing or Minjae will stand up and rescue her like Mongryong saves Chunhyang. It’s an engrossing story of the power of family and true love. Agent: Cynthia Manson, Cynthia Manson Literary. (Apr.)