An Evening with Min Jin Lee
WithMin Jin Lee
In conversation withNicola Sturgeon
On:23rd October 2026, 7:30pm - 8:45pm
Attendance options:
The Portobello Bookshop is thrilled to be hosting Min Jin Lee for the Edinburgh launch of her highly anticipated novel American Hagwon. This is her first novel in nine years, since her 2017 historical epic Pachinko.
We'll be hosting this event at St Cuthbert's Church in central Edinburgh. We are such huge fans of Lee's writing and can't wait to hear her speak about this brilliant, engrossing, book. It's one you won't be able to put down the minute you start reading, the Koh family (and everyone they interact with) will stick with you long after the last page.
Lee will be in conversation with former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon. We are so excited for the discussion between these two, it's one you won't want to miss!
Doors will open at 6:45pm for a 7:30pm start time. There will be a discussion and time for audience Q&A.
About American Hagwon:
John and Helen Koh and their three children – Bo, DH and Mido – are building new lives in Korea when they find their worlds upended, first by a terrible betrayal and then by the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Striving to regain their footing, the Kohs set out to do whatever it takes to provide for their children’s futures.
They leave Seoul for Sydney and eventually settle in California, where new opportunities open for the Koh children, as the parents, strangers in a strange land, adjust to a difficult existence in which their qualifications mean little. Their way forward is lit by the faith that education will lead the next generation to the success and security that have eluded their parents.
The Kohs, their friends, relatives and even their foes move in and out of each other’s lives as they navigate love, work, fortune and fulfilment across the years. But with each new sacrifice and fresh horizon, larger questions begin to open up before them: what are we willing to give up to secure the happiness of the ones we love? What is the purpose of education? And what is truly important for a good life?
American Hagwon is the most ambitious and extraordinary work yet by one of our greatest novelists, Min Jin Lee.
Please note: Tickets for our events are non-refundable. Professional photography and videography may take place during this event. Thank you for your understanding.
Participants:
Min Jin Lee Author
Min Jin Lee is the bestselling author of two novels. Pachinko was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction, a New York Times bestseller and was included on over 75 best books of the year lists. It is currently being adapted for television by Apple TV. Lee's debut novel Free Food for Millionaires was a Top 10 Books of the Year for The Times, NPR's Fresh Air and USA Today. Min Jin Lee's writings have appeared in The New Yorker, the TLS, the Guardian, Conde Nast Traveler, The Times and the Wall Street Journal, among others. In 2019, Lee was inducted into the New York Foundation for the Arts Hall of Fame. She serves as a trustee of PEN America, a director of the Authors Guild and on the National Advisory Board of the Immigration Initiative at Harvard.
Nicola Sturgeon Chair
Nicola Sturgeon served as First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party from 2014 to 2023 and has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament since its establishment in 1999. As leader of the SNP, she worked with five British Prime Ministers, from David Cameron to Rishi Sunak.
The venue
St Cuthbert's Church
5 Lothian Road
Edinburgh
EH1 2EP
Telephone: 0131 229 1142
Website: www.stcuthberts-edinburgh.uk/visit-us/getting-here
The church is located in Edinburgh city centre, near the junction of Princes Street and Lothian Road. Pedestrian access is via steps on Princes Street and Lothian Road, through the gates at the west end of Princes Street Gardens, or through the main entrance on King's Stables Road. Disabled access is through Princes Street Gardens or King's Stables Road.
Transport
Limited parking is available outside the church for disabled visitors or deliveries, vehicular access being via King's Stables Road. For other visitors, parking is available at the NCP car park on Castle Terrace. The nearest tram stop is West End and most buses serving the city centre will pass nearby. The nearest bus stops are Princes Street West and the Foot of Lothian Road.
Disabled Access to the Building
St Cuthbert's can be accessed by the ramp at the main front door. The vestibule, Lammermuir Hall, Sanctuary, Lindisfarne Room and offices are wheelchair accessible. There are disabled toilets on the ground floor.
Toilets
There is a ground floor fully accessible toilet, as well as changing table for parents with babies. Mothers are welcome to use our facilities to breastfeed at any time. There are additional toilets on the first floor.
Hearing Loops
For those hard of hearing Church has hearing loops installed in the Sanctuary.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are always welcome in the church!