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kamin8882's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Life is only bearable because time makes you forget everything. But life is worthwhile because love makes you remember everything."
WOW!! I really don't know where to start with this beautiful story. Juhea Kim starts with an act of selfishness when a Korean hunter saves the life of a Japanese general from a tiger in the snowy forest of Korea. This starts a chain of events that will effect the characters in the rest of the story over half a century. I was blown away with the flow and ease of which the many characters were introduced and woven together throughout the book so beautifully. Even characters with a small role were vital to the story. That being said, there were ALOT of characters to keep track of (I had to keep notes) but they all come together in a way that worked perfectly. I love how by the time you get to the end, everything breath taken and action performed by any character falls perfectly into place and makes the story whole. Beautifully written.
Jade was definitely the star of the show. From a young age, she was forced to just endure-- being sold at the age of 10, to be trained and performing at a courtesan by the age of 15, falling in love, getting her heartbroken, seeing people she loved die, become ill, or suffer in any way. Throughout all of this, she still maintained her optimistic view of life, the love in her heart, and her morals and values. She was loyal to those she loved and made sure everyone was taken care of no matter what. I really loved her so much, she was definitely an example of a strong female character you would want in your corner.
I was also very intrigued and excited to learn about Korean culture. This is not a time period or culture I am family with at all so learning about it was very amazing. I can't wait to read more books like this and definitely more from Juhea Kim.
WOW!! I really don't know where to start with this beautiful story. Juhea Kim starts with an act of selfishness when a Korean hunter saves the life of a Japanese general from a tiger in the snowy forest of Korea. This starts a chain of events that will effect the characters in the rest of the story over half a century. I was blown away with the flow and ease of which the many characters were introduced and woven together throughout the book so beautifully. Even characters with a small role were vital to the story. That being said, there were ALOT of characters to keep track of (I had to keep notes) but they all come together in a way that worked perfectly. I love how by the time you get to the end, everything breath taken and action performed by any character falls perfectly into place and makes the story whole. Beautifully written.
Jade was definitely the star of the show. From a young age, she was forced to just endure-- being sold at the age of 10, to be trained and performing at a courtesan by the age of 15, falling in love, getting her heartbroken, seeing people she loved die, become ill, or suffer in any way. Throughout all of this, she still maintained her optimistic view of life, the love in her heart, and her morals and values. She was loyal to those she loved and made sure everyone was taken care of no matter what. I really loved her so much, she was definitely an example of a strong female character you would want in your corner.
I was also very intrigued and excited to learn about Korean culture. This is not a time period or culture I am family with at all so learning about it was very amazing. I can't wait to read more books like this and definitely more from Juhea Kim.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Rape, Pregnancy, War, and Violence
Minor: Addiction
aroseshaw's review
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim is an achingly beautiful epic historical fiction set in Korea spanning the Korean independence movement from 1917-1965. The story centers around Jade, a young girl sold into an apprenticeship and trained as a courtesan, JungHo, an impoverished street kid turned gang leader and eventually a communist sympathizer, and HanChol, a rickshaw driver with high aspirations. Their stories all intertwine to show the devastation of Japanese occupation, the elation of an independent Korea, and torment of a subsequently divided nation.
I loved this book. I am largely ignorant of the history of Korea but the author’s skilled weaving of folklore and history allows the reader to experience the characters’ culture and important moments in Korea’s history. At times the story is a slow-burn at times you can’t resist the next page. The writing in this book is beautiful. A stunning debut novel.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Highly recommend for any lover of historical fiction.
TW: brutality, murder, rape
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Murder, and Torture
beaconhillbooks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Murder, and Domestic abuse
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