Anna Dahland’s Hope Diamond is the true story of an unlikely domestic adoption in 1990s Korea.
Two-year-old Heejong wasn’t expected to have a great life. She usually stood silently staring into space, unable or unwilling to smile at well-meaning strangers who visited her children’s home. Meanwhile, Anna wasn’t expecting to get a miracle. In a rocky international marriage, with three young children to care for, she still struggled in a country and culture that was not her own.
Then a simple photograph changed everything. For once, Heejong smiled. For once, Anna dared to hope. But could the obstacles be overcome? Without documentation or treatment for her challenges, Heejong was facing life in an institution. Was Anna powerless to prevent that? Or was her unique, international life actually an asset?
This is the true story of an adoption against the odds –– a secret longing held close to the heart. It’s a story of tenacity, hope, and devotion rooted in the love of two human souls for each other.
Offered in Kindle, paperback, hardback, and audiobook (AI-generated, for accessibility purposes), this story asks the timeless questions:
Do we have to be perfect to help someone?
Do we have to be perfect to be loved?
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My Review of Hope Diamond
Hope Diamond is a touching, raw, and hopeful memoir. The book follows the remarkable journey of a young girl from 1990s Korea whose life is reshaped by resilience and unconditional love. Dahland writes with gentle honesty, opening a window into the emotional landscape of adoption—the uncertainty, the longing, the courage, and the profound hope woven through every step.
The story stands out for its warmth and vulnerability, offering readers an intimate look at the challenges of identity and belonging while celebrating the quiet, determined love that carries a child toward a brighter future. Rich in compassion and grounded in real-life struggle, this memoir is both moving and uplifting, reminding us that love can confront destiny head-on and create a new, grace-filled path.
It’s a celebration of love’s power to challenge and transform destiny. If you value stories of adoption, resilience, and emotional truth, this book is likely to resonate deeply.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author
Anna Dahland writes about immigration, parenting, and identity. She is known internationally for her best-selling High School English series, which was published in South Korea (Chunjae Education.) Her newest memoir, Swedish Again, tells the story of returning to Sweden, the land of her birth, after 45 years. You can find her on her website annadahland.com or follow on Substack and Instagram
