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ovaltineplease's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
xystophi's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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
cegiddismacia's review
4.0
4.5 Stars. This collection of stories by Paul Yoon was incredible. I felt what the characters felt, saw what they saw, and endured the depth of their emotions simply through Yoon’s words – now that’s powerful writing. I wanted more from each story, I yearned for the characters to have their questions answered, and I longed to know how their lives progressed. The beauty of the short story however, is that Yoon leaves room for the readers imagination when it comes to many of the characters beginnings and endings, which I loved. In each of these stories, Yoon presents the power and resilience of the human spirit, and each of these clips of the characters’ lives has the potential to inspire readers to seek within themselves the strength to grow.
teon22's review
4.0
Paul Yoon is an incredibly talented writer. I read “Snow Hunters”, another collection of his stories, some years ago and had been awestruck by Yoon’s craftsmanship in creating vivid imagery and fully-realized characters with so few words. His writing style flows beautifully and though he chooses the short form, his stories are wonderfully complex and intricate in painting a full portrait of the lives and humanity of his characters. This collection focuses on themes like loss, the aftermath of war, dislocation, immigration, survival, beauty, and human resilience. I enjoyed the diversity of historical periods and the disparate voices from varied parts of the globe. Highly recommend.
ori_gina_lity's review
4.0
I was enchanted with Yoon’s first novel Snow Hunters and this most recent collection of short stories was excellent as well. The stories all share a theme loneliness - issues of immigration, war, loss, and family are perfectly woven through several decades and settings around the world. My favorite was “Milner Field”. This collection’s subject matter was heavier than I’d anticipated - but it’s Yoon’s quiet, unassuming way with words that always pulls me in regardless of how somber I feel after reading. All the stories are poignant and superbly told, what a gift he has! 4/5 stars.
chiyeungreads's review
4.0
Lovely collection of quiet and tender stories. Haunting, sparse prose. Definitely all vibes. Reminiscent of of Kitumara at times.
notesonbookmarks's review
3.0
I didn't give this the attention it deserved, but I was also kinda bored, and the stories ran together for me.
book_clover's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fkshg8465's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I feel like this is what a short story book should be like - each story fully self contained and complete. My third book with this author, and I’m still loving how he writes. Stories don’t follow a formula like so many other books, which is why it feels like he’s unafraid to weave tales that wander.