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sshabein's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
At first I wasn't sure this was for me, or that maybe I was just reading it at the wrong time in my life, but I was interested enough to keep going, and I'm so glad I did. This book is so inventive and interesting. Instead of trying to fully describe what this book is — a many layered, complex alternate-but-not history of Korea, but also the U.S.— I'll quote Alexander Chee from a recent edition of his newsletter:
I made note of the many tiny connections at first thinking to use them in the review but of course not only are those spoilers, but such an effort would end up with me looking like someone in front of a murder wall, insisting on a theory held together by string and tacks and photos of people you can almost make out.
I am sure this is a book that rewards rereading. New things to notice, new connections to be made. I can see why Park took his time writing it. What a feat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Racism
sarah984's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A darkly funny wild ride through the history (and future?) of Korea. You might want to keep a notebook on hand for this one, there are so many interconnected layers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Confinement, Racism, Torture, Violence, Gun violence, and Death
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Adult/minor relationship, Racial slurs, Suicide, Medical content, Pregnancy, Ableism, Car accident, Incest, Hate crime, Child death, Rape, and Sexual content
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