Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Shoko's Smile by Choi Eunyoung

2 reviews

cwg's review

Go to review page

emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wonderful series of short stories—love them all, although “Shoko’s Smile” and “Hanji and Youngju” particularly touched me. I’m sure I would’ve taken away with more insight had I known more about Korea (including the Sinking of MV Sewol), especially within the stories which directly tackle those events, but the sentiments in each story are universal. Connecting every story is its expression of the human experience — love, hate, fear. 

Eunyoung’s prose is…how do I say,  distant yet expressive. There are moments where aren’t explained; people simply do. Other moments include narrated rationale, used to explain their or other characters’ feelings. Both imbue characters across all stories a dash of personality, leaving you understanding, if not empathetic, of their various plights. 

I would recommend this book. They aren’t necessarily “happy” stories, but rather realistic. The prose was pleasant to read, and I found myself relaxed and simultaneously invested while reading.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

creatingavery's review

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

3.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...