How is it possible to miss a place to which you’ve never gone? In This Homeward Ache, Amy Baik Lee explores this idea by weaving personal essays with biblical truths. Through her chapters, written as beautifully as the magnificent scenes they describe, she seasons her thoughts with the musings of many who have gone before her in discovering the cause for the question at hand. Lee stands on the shoulders of these giants to harmonize with the echo that we are all on a homeward journey. Victory from the heights and misery from the depths both point to a reality that will acknowledge our tears and wipe them away.
Sehnsucht and the Beginning of a Lifelong Journey
Lee cites the idea of Sehnsucht as the inspiration that set her on a path to understanding it more fully. Is it Nostalgia? Not quite. Homesickness? A little bit. Melancholy or the regard for beauty? The desire to escape? As a Christian, Lee sees Sehnsucht as ‘a longing with a destination’. Once this is defined, the scene is set to take a step into understanding how to live every day in light of where we’re going.
Lee details her journey that took her from the rolling hills of North Carolina to the bustling streets of Seoul and back again. Through the many transitions of language and culture, stories remained a safe constant. Being captivated by Narnia and Middle Earth at a young age opened the door to pen her own stories.
While reading, it’s almost as if there are multiple Amys from different vantage points—as a child, college student, mother, writer, sufferer, exile—who get glimpses of a future beauty as distinct people. At the same time, all these different Amys are a singular person grappling with the central question—what’s the name for this longing in my heart? Each chapter could serve as a standalone essay, but together they culminate in a beautiful tapestry that illustrates the mastery of God as an artist and storyteller. The story he tells us, and has been telling us, is that we will one day be with him in the new heavens and the new earth.
As someone who occasionally writes, I was encouraged by Lee’s posture towards the craft itself. She emphasizes her intentionality in trying to ‘love the reader’ well, by thinking clearly in order to convey those thoughts in a way that is easy to understand. Her involvement in multiple publications and writing related organizations speaks to her dedication to the community of fellow-authors. For Lee, writing is not merely an activity or a passion. It is an art form that takes shape while meditating on God-given thoughts both alone and in the company of others who share an appreciation for words and prayer.
Living for Home
Lee’s writing displays delicacy and artistry, and yet speaks with a refreshing force. This Homeward Ache takes the reader on a journey to name the things that yet elude us, and encourages us to lean into the yearnings that are certain signs of the way home.
I received a media copy of This Homeward Ache, and this is my honest review.