Reviews - ذات شتاء في سوكشو

ذات شتاء في سوكشو by Elisa Shua Dusapin, إليزا شوا دوسابان, ميرنا باسيل خليفة

3.66k reviews for:

Really loved this story. Feels like a book you’d read in English class where you’d dissect all the nuances of the plot. There were a lot of additions that feel random, but they all really added to the depth of the story. Our main characters relationship with her mother, her boyfriend, with the comic artist, with her boss, with food, and with her body. It was so interesting and short, but there was so much under the surface to discover.

lgwebb2's review against another edition

3.0

Sleepy and melancholic but I think that's how I'm supposed to feel?

bookwends's review against another edition

4.75

Slow, slow, then suddenly you’re caught in the wave

stellastellina's review against another edition

4.0

emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

m_lieto's review against another edition

4.0

This novel functions best as a window into a damaged life. This is a lonely tale. Our main character is frustrated with her current life and has not come to terms with her unknown French heritage. Because of this, she is distant from everyone in her life. She has an incredibly negative view of herself and tons of body dysmorphia. Most of the people she interacts with have, like her, a fear of being vulnerable and connecting. Because of this, Sokcho feels vacant though the eyes of our protagonist.

You really get a sense of how cold and barren this city is in the winter. Short but impactful descriptions litter this work. Being a port city, seafood is a major commodity and it is everywhere in this setting. Reading this book feels like cold salty fish, which if you do not like seafood, you may have a hard time with (trigger warnings for some graphic fish preparation)! It works for me because I love seafood, and I think it adds a really unique if unsettling flavor.

This is a very sad and somewhat depressing novel, but it feels alive and it is a good examination on body dysmorphia and personal anguish. You get a unique sense of place here. This book is very good. I did not love it like crazy but it is a real good, quick read.