Economic fact in literary fiction

This novel follows the story of Sunja, a young Korean woman, and her family as they navigate the challenges of living as immigrants in Japan from the early 1900s to the late 1980s. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of significant historical events including World War II and the Korean War. It delves into the experiences of discrimination, cultural identity, and the struggles of everyday life for Korean families in Japan.

The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel is a complex narrative that weaves together the lives of characters involved in a massive Ponzi scheme, inspired by the Bernie Madoff scandal. The story follows Vincent, a bartender at a luxury hotel, and her brother Paul, as they navigate guilt, regret, and the consequences of their choices. The novel explores themes of greed, identity, and the search for meaning in a world of financial and personal crises.

In this book, Francis Fukuyama argues that the level of trust within a society is a crucial factor in its economic success. He contends that societies with high levels of trust, such as Germany, Japan, and the United States, are more likely to create flexible and large-scale business organizations necessary for competing in the global economy. Fukuyama examines various national cultures to identify the underlying principles that foster social and economic prosperity, emphasizing the importance of social capital and the interconnectedness of economic and cultural life. He challenges both neoclassical and state-centered economic theories by highlighting the role of trust and social virtues in economic development.