Theme in "When My Name was Keoko"

"When My Name was Keoko" is a very fun and interesting book especially because it is about Korea and what they went through during the Japanese occupation. I felt really bad for the Koreans that had to suffer through it. Some things made me angry at the Japanese because of what they forced Koreans to do. I guess Koreans have one perspective of them and the Japanese have a different perspective but I dont understand how they could be so cruel at some times. I'm glad I wasnt born at that time. It probably would have felt horrible to be living during that time. Even before I thoroughly read this book, I knew it would be a good book for me to read because I am a Korean. I know I shouldnt judge the people of Japan of right now because of what happened in the past but somehow I'm still not happy about them.
ANYWAYS
I think the theme in "When My Name was Keoko" is all about identification. Sun-hee's family and herself are going through an identity crisis because the Japanese are trying to change everything about Koreans. Uncle joined the resistance group because of what the Japanese are making them do. They are making them speak their language only, change their names, learn their culture, and respect their people. If they dont, they will get tortured severely. Identity is a very important thing in my book. Without identity, the story wouldnt even become a book. The Japanese occupation affected the Koreans a lot and they suffered through it. I wasnt happy about the identity changes that they were forced to take. Sun-hee's family was very angry about it but they couldnt really do anything.

Identity is very important to all of us and I dont think we should change it for any reason. We should all just be ourselves and love the way we are because God has made us in his special way. Sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough for anything and I want to change at some points but in the end I realize that people love me for who I am and not who I want to be. I wish everyone can just realize that we are all made specially and differently from each other. So stop keeping masks on and just be yourself! Even though we feel down and we dont like who we are than always turn to God and ask for guidance. GOD will always be there for us. =]