Koreans seem to appreciate the melancholy of a sentimental nature. In the last century they faced tragedies like human cruelty, hunger from poverty, lack of educational opportunity, separation from loved ones by wars, rejection, betrayal, mistrust and even death. Virtuous Transcendence illuminates the concept that Koreans have developed ways of turning depression into "sweet sorrow" to be able to live with it as a transcending experience instead of abhorring it.

Virtuous Transcendence relates elderly Korean immigrants' personal stones of everyday life, illness, and self-care in American and Korean context. The author's in-depth research broadly and deeply discusses the origins and physical/psychological aspects of illness in elderly Korean immigrants. [Edit review] [Delete review]