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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Not so much giving this book a 4.5/5 for the quality, but rather how enraptured I was by the world created by the author. Frankly, I'm not even sure whether the writing was good or bad because I didn't care; I simply didn't notice. I just wanted this book to continue into a full-blown series so I could continue following the characters' lives, and all their narratives' loose ends could tie up with more finality. A series like that would forever be my go-to for light, captivating beach reading.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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
3.5 ⭐️
i loved every pov of each character, though i wish sujin got one too, and i hope the author explored the relationship of these four women with wonna. overall, this was a good read :)
i loved every pov of each character, though i wish sujin got one too, and i hope the author explored the relationship of these four women with wonna. overall, this was a good read :)
4.75 stars
When Becca Freeman first posted about this book on Instagram, I was instantly hooked by the cover and synopsis. Let me assure you, it absolutely did not disappoint. Expertly described as “Parasite” meets “Crazy Rich Asians” meets “Big Little Lies” by CNN, this debut novel by Frances Cha explores the lives of four young women (Kyuri, Miho, Ara and Wanna) as they navigate the seemingly impossible beauty standards of South Korea. Each character dreams of an escape from her circumstance through different routes (Kyuri through beauty, Miho through art, Wonna through her unborn child and Ara through her K-Pop obsession), which are navigated exquisitely and, eventually, brought together beautifully.
Inspired by her time as a travel writer in South Korea, Cha ensures the novel’s underlying themes provide a comprehensive picture of life as a modern South Korean woman. From gender roles and the standard of beauty to mental health and the stigma surrounding sex work, Cha leaves no stone unturned when developing the characters’ circumstances within the backdrop of their cultural timeline.
This will be a definite re-read of mine and a top recommendation for my bookish friends! Is this book on your #TBR list? Whose storyline intrigued you the most?
Find this and other reviews on a @taleoftwolitties on Instagram!
When Becca Freeman first posted about this book on Instagram, I was instantly hooked by the cover and synopsis. Let me assure you, it absolutely did not disappoint. Expertly described as “Parasite” meets “Crazy Rich Asians” meets “Big Little Lies” by CNN, this debut novel by Frances Cha explores the lives of four young women (Kyuri, Miho, Ara and Wanna) as they navigate the seemingly impossible beauty standards of South Korea. Each character dreams of an escape from her circumstance through different routes (Kyuri through beauty, Miho through art, Wonna through her unborn child and Ara through her K-Pop obsession), which are navigated exquisitely and, eventually, brought together beautifully.
Inspired by her time as a travel writer in South Korea, Cha ensures the novel’s underlying themes provide a comprehensive picture of life as a modern South Korean woman. From gender roles and the standard of beauty to mental health and the stigma surrounding sex work, Cha leaves no stone unturned when developing the characters’ circumstances within the backdrop of their cultural timeline.
This will be a definite re-read of mine and a top recommendation for my bookish friends! Is this book on your #TBR list? Whose storyline intrigued you the most?
Find this and other reviews on a @taleoftwolitties on Instagram!
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sexual content
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual content
Minor: Self harm
I grew to really like these women. The choices they make aren't always the best but I can see why they made them. A little sad, a little funny, a good read overall.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated