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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book feels cold and warm at the same time. The main characters and their relationship felt like a small light in the darkness. It wasn’t a romance or real friendship, but there was an understanding. The main character felt seen after being ignored and treated harshly by most people around her.
I liked what this story was trying to say about loneliness, trying to find your place in the world but also being stuck at one place in your life.
I expected it to be more about North Korea, since the blurb made a point to mention it. I didn’t mind it not being a big plot point at all.
The writing style felt similar to what I’ve read before from Korean authors. However this writing style was more distant from emotions and also focused on body image and doubts about oneself. I enjoyed it and I liked reflecting on what I had read.
I liked what this story was trying to say about loneliness, trying to find your place in the world but also being stuck at one place in your life.
I expected it to be more about North Korea, since the blurb made a point to mention it. I didn’t mind it not being a big plot point at all.
The writing style felt similar to what I’ve read before from Korean authors. However this writing style was more distant from emotions and also focused on body image and doubts about oneself. I enjoyed it and I liked reflecting on what I had read.
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
July 6, 2021
I don't get it.
August 22, 2021
Sitting down to review this book, I gave it time to see if it makes sense, but well.
Winter in Sokcho is a reminiscent novel, maybe it's lost in translation or maybe it was meant to read like this. We get introduced to the city of Sokcho through our protagonist who is of mixed origin and she doesn't "fit in". The novel does a great job of portraying the awkwardness and you get introduced to other characters who have been there for their entire life. They've only known Sokcho and Sokcho only knows them. Life is dull and slow in winters and we experience that too.
Other than this introduction to the novel, everything else feels flat. There is a lot of anticipation that is built throughout the story but it doesn't amount to anything. The characters do a lot of weird and bizarre things and no cause and reason are mentioned. The author doesn't even explore the emotions of the characters. As a result, you don't feel a connection to the characters and in the end, everything is just weird and you're just left confused.
I don't get it.
August 22, 2021
Sitting down to review this book, I gave it time to see if it makes sense, but well.
Winter in Sokcho is a reminiscent novel, maybe it's lost in translation or maybe it was meant to read like this. We get introduced to the city of Sokcho through our protagonist who is of mixed origin and she doesn't "fit in". The novel does a great job of portraying the awkwardness and you get introduced to other characters who have been there for their entire life. They've only known Sokcho and Sokcho only knows them. Life is dull and slow in winters and we experience that too.
Other than this introduction to the novel, everything else feels flat. There is a lot of anticipation that is built throughout the story but it doesn't amount to anything. The characters do a lot of weird and bizarre things and no cause and reason are mentioned. The author doesn't even explore the emotions of the characters. As a result, you don't feel a connection to the characters and in the end, everything is just weird and you're just left confused.
I loved this book. It is so intimate and atmospheric and author accomplishes this with such simple description. I felt like I was transported into Sokcho’s bleak, cold, coastal winter season. There’s a perfect amount of tension through out the whole book, that keeps you glued to the story that could otherwise be mundane. Themes of identity, heritage, ethics of tourism, and belonging. I found it to be a perfect Sunday read that is short enough to be finished in an afternoon.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
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:
Complicated