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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I loved this story. If you don't call your mother as you read this book than there is something wrong with you. It is certainly a strong reminder of sacrifice and love. I think something is inhertly lost in translation as there weren't any prose that deeply moved me (which I suspect there would have been had I read it in Korean). I appreciate all the cultural nods to the ancestral rituals and even schooling for the children and pressures on the eldest son. The lack of closure I think is also typical of Korean novels. Which I simultaneously appreciate and find frustrating. I half expected So-Nyo to be a ghost.
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Sad, sad, sad, but still a very good look at Korean family life and dynamics. Well written and voiced by several of the characters, 2 of which use the 2nd person, which is quite rare for an author to write successfully.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
a deeply introspective book about how a woman undertakes the role of a mother, a daughter, a wife in post-war korea. had me reflecting on my own relationship with my mom, her life, her personal relationships and duties besides being a mother and wife, her dreams… this book dives into trad family dynamics, and begets these questions, “do i take my family for granted?” ”does anyone in my family truly know me?”
What I love about Kyung-sook Shin's books (this was my second from her) is the atmosphere she is able to create. Even though the pace of the events might be slow, the story flows and forces you to read more.