Reviews tagging 'Medical trauma'

Folklorn by Angela Mi Young Hur

1 review

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense 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

Magical realism at its finest. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 

Family, mental health and Korean immigration in the US and Europe are explored through the perspective of experimental physicist Elsa Park. 

I loved how the author wasn't afraid to weave in various fields of study throughout the story. Physics, Korean & Norse literature are often used to draw comparisons to Elsa's current state of mind. As Elsa travels across the globe (Antarctica, Sweden and California), she realizes she can't run from her past and the past of her family. She must face *her* reality. Juxtaposed with the disturbing relevance of racism globally, Elsa's journey to find peace is turbulent and complicated. 

Elsa'a brash sense of humor and physics expertise make her a fascinating character. Character development is so strong in this story, and the ending is beautifully done. I can't recommend this book enough. 

TW: physical/verbal abuse, mental illness, racism, suicidal thoughts
 

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