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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I saw a lot of people who stopped caring after the first part but I was intrigued throughout the whole book. It's dark and it's violent and it kept me hooked; it's powerful. And I was deeply moved by the connection that Donggyu and Jae shared, no matter what happened in their lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
One more book about disaffected youth. This one reflects the deeper dismay that alienated teens bring in Asian, specifically South Korean, societies. While the two main protagonists share difficult childhoods, their later development presents them as continuing enigmas. I wasn't much engaged by the story or the style. I'm unlikely to read more of Kim's work.
A story of the realities of being human. Touches on several dark topics yet it was a fast-paced read. I felt some kinship for Donggyu; some decisions we make in life are a matter of life and death, once made can never be reversed. Jae's special character embodied someone who was able to inspire a cult-like belief in his followers; modest yet confident. Really enjoyed this book.
This book was not for me. I finished it though, which is a vote in its favor. The concept of this book was great, but it felt very muddled. I felt like I was receiving a lot of unnecessary information that didn’t really add to the story. And even with all this information, I never felt strongly for any of the characters. None of them were like able to me. The only part I really felt was enjoyable was Part Five where I felt like everything was finally explained at least somewhat.
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
This is the first Young-Ha Kim book I've read. It certainly has a staggering amount of violence, and mistreatment of women in it throughout.
It also seems to be quite the non-linear piece, with the exception of the chronology of Donggyu's and Jae's lives, and how they occasionally intertwine. However, there's a lot that kept me reading: the family rifts, the unapologetic dialogue with every character, the lack of hand-holding in describing Korean neighbourhoods / provinces, the drifts and connections with friends, and the unrelenting violences of life.
It also seems to be quite the non-linear piece, with the exception of the chronology of Donggyu's and Jae's lives, and how they occasionally intertwine. However, there's a lot that kept me reading: the family rifts, the unapologetic dialogue with every character, the lack of hand-holding in describing Korean neighbourhoods / provinces, the drifts and connections with friends, and the unrelenting violences of life.
A look at the forgotten, overlooked outcasts of South Korea; This tale of two orphans will pull you in with an extraordinary unexplainable magic trick, take you to places you may not want to go and remind you of the power of friendship. The wild ride will mesmerizes you then surprise you. Couldn't put this novel down.
This started out in a great and interesting way, and finished off strongly enough. Sadly, everything in between is a complete mess. Shame about all that wasted potential!