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avastras1's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
More like 3.5. This was a convoluted read at times, but a really interesting exploration of what happens to the characters we create off the page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Murder, and Animal death
elaine707's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Once upon a time, it does not exist here. Mia, the luckiest girl, and the Child, who deserves no name, find themselves in the same class yet leading very different lives. When mysterious things begin happening, the story takes a slight turn to more thriller, and right when you think you have it figured out, the turn swerves off the road.
I was so confused the entire time but in the best way possible. Two days later, and I am still reeling. The fact that this book was originally translated from Korean makes me truly wonder how magnificent the writing is in its origin and what has been lost in translation because it is so well written. I am so impressed. The entire book is mind-boggling and riveting.
cathwren's review against another edition
3.25
Goodness gracious me. What a book. I am glad that I didn't give up on the book in the first half, admittedly I carried on reading due to absolute morbid curiosity. After having read the full book, the first half was somewhat necessary. Another problem that occurred whilst reading was difficulty to read comfortably, I don't believe translated texts are for me and especially in this instance I think I lost a lot of the nuance, cultural understanding and also wordplay, used especially amongst the children.
Would recommend (only if you're certain that you won't give up before the turning point, I read things that made my blood run cold, only read if you believe you'll persevere regardless), would read again (now that I know the plot).
Would recommend (only if you're certain that you won't give up before the turning point, I read things that made my blood run cold, only read if you believe you'll persevere regardless), would read again (now that I know the plot).
shanthereader's review against another edition
This book is weird, and not the good kind of weird
wesleysbookshelf's review
2.0
There is much to be said about this book and many reasons to love it. Those reasons might be found out by other readers. I, for one, could not wrap my head around a thing or two. The first part of the novel moves in a wonderfully morbid way. The blindness of children spoiled by parents and the silent screams of those who have no luck in matters of life are put across in the simplest of ways. The creepiness, bloodlust, and the strange games that children come up with to pass their time form a strange background to the unfolding story of Mia and the Child. But the second half of the book had me going, “WTF”. Not in a good way. I breezed through the first half. The second half takes on a whole different tone - going on and on about the writer’s responsibility towards the characters she creates and what to do when the characters show up to her doorstep. It becomes needlessly surreal, moving from dream to meditation to reality with disorienting speed. I did not find a lot to love about it. God knows I tried.
cat_thecatlady's review
4.0
trigger warning: physical abuse, violence, abuse towards animals, death
this is a rather unconventional book, and its cruel, violent and surreal world won’t please everyone. personally, I really loved it. the first part absolutely stood out to me. the writing style is quite exquisite and the way the story alternates between the two characters (and the duality of their two lives) is so interesting to read. the second part didn’t seem as well accomplished to me. it was a bit overwhelming in its repetition and form, and maybe too meta.
overall, one very good book and one hell of a good example of translation.
this is a rather unconventional book, and its cruel, violent and surreal world won’t please everyone. personally, I really loved it. the first part absolutely stood out to me. the writing style is quite exquisite and the way the story alternates between the two characters (and the duality of their two lives) is so interesting to read. the second part didn’t seem as well accomplished to me. it was a bit overwhelming in its repetition and form, and maybe too meta.
overall, one very good book and one hell of a good example of translation.