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3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
This was such an engrossing little horror thriller and the translation from Korean was accessible, while still asking English readers to question the cultural implications at play. Well crafted, and so many little things to complicate the reading. For example, Oghi is the only character with a name; his colleagues/friends are referred to only by a single initial and his MIL by her title, as well as his wife. This speaks to the narcissism we learn is rooted deeply in Oghi's life choices. Even if this book had stuck with only Oghi's paralysis, and living while relying on others for basic care, this book could stand on its own, horrific is puttingit lightly. This is a slow burn that reads fast, if that makes sense. I had to keep reading, I was compelled by the tight, descriptive writing, that perfectly led to tiny twists and revelations. Well done.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Imagine being paralyzed in a car crash. You can’t move, can’t talk, can’t tell your story. Your wife died in that accident while you were driving. Your mother-in-law is the only one available to take care of you.
At first she does so willingly, this is the only part of her daughter that is left. Now she lives in your house so she can take care of you, and she is going through her daughters personal belongings. You are very nervous. 3.5 stars
At first she does so willingly, this is the only part of her daughter that is left. Now she lives in your house so she can take care of you, and she is going through her daughters personal belongings. You are very nervous. 3.5 stars
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
utilizing ableism as the fundamental premise for a thriller is at best dubious and at worst malignant
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very short, very gripping story of a now-paralysed car crash survivor in the care of his mother in law, whose daughter had died in the same crash. I happen to find the "caretaker turns out to be abusive" trope particularly uncomfortable, and I also suffer from HORRIBLE second hand embarassment, so this novel felt like a personal little torture device. The audiobook was uncomfortable to sit through, and the claustrophobic atmosphere that's present throughout the story through its use of Oghi's senses - mainly him hearing things through the door, and the tactile sensations he does feel described in the vivid way of a character with no other outlet or focus - kept that sense of dread right up until the very end.
I've seen this trope done better, I've seen it done worse. I really liked the clues that hint at the wife's goals peppered throughout the book, as well as the broader cultural context. I also enjoyed the cinematic storytelling. I could picture some of the scenes as specific film shots - this would make great suspense film. Kind of reminded me of Bong Joon-ho's Parasite.
Alternating between Oghi's post-accident existence, primarily characterised by loneliness and neglect, and flashbacks to his marriage, the way the layers of the plot peel back slowly to reveal what was going on, really sat with me. It's not overly hand-hold-y, and I'm surprised at how uncomfortable it made me. Not even scared or upset, just so, so uneasy.
I've seen this trope done better, I've seen it done worse. I really liked the clues that hint at the wife's goals peppered throughout the book, as well as the broader cultural context. I also enjoyed the cinematic storytelling. I could picture some of the scenes as specific film shots - this would make great suspense film. Kind of reminded me of Bong Joon-ho's Parasite.
Alternating between Oghi's post-accident existence, primarily characterised by loneliness and neglect, and flashbacks to his marriage, the way the layers of the plot peel back slowly to reveal what was going on, really sat with me. It's not overly hand-hold-y, and I'm surprised at how uncomfortable it made me. Not even scared or upset, just so, so uneasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Ableism, Body horror, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes