Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

The Silence of Bones by June Hur 허주은

1 review

karin_goodreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"The Silence of Bones" is set in Joseon Dynasty-era Korea and follows a 16-year-old servant, Seol, who works in the police bureau. The book unfurls a heartbreaking story about Seol’s involvement in investigating the murder of a young noblewoman, the political situation in Joseon at the time and the complex situation regarding Seol's search for her older brother. 

There is one lesson all who enter the capital will learn: evil comes from the unfulfilled need for significance.

What a whirlwind! I started reading this many moons ago, but just now returned to it. What was the problem that I left it unfinished for so long and then picked it up and finished it in a day? The first part of the book was a little slow, and my interest was elsewhere, but recently it became interesting again and I devoured it within an evening.
Honestly, I don't remember everything from the beginning, but enough to make sense. Nevertheless, the ending was excruciatingly painful and action-packed, every sentence kept me on my toes.

This is the consequence of the clash of old and new. We must prepare our hearts, all of us. No matter which side wins, we will all be heartbroken.

Where is the lie? I was bawling my eyes out by the end. It hit so deep and brought up some raw feelings that came out of nowhere; props to June Hur! It's palpable how much work has gone into the research and details of the story. I find it nice that the ending was left sort of open-ended.
Despite that, there's much left to process. I do hope that Seol finds that home and place of togetherness one day. Pity.

Everyone dies; what is difficult is a meaningful death.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...