Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
A murder mystery set in Joseon Korea. A story of revenge, honor, and family.
I really liked how the characters and stories were laid out, almost like it could be a film noir or serialized show.
I really liked how the characters and stories were laid out, almost like it could be a film noir or serialized show.
3,5-4 stars
I wanted to love the story to bits but some parts were a bit draggy and to be honest, Seol was not my favorite character. I was more captivated by Inspector Han.
The killer was quite a surprise to me, but the identity of her brother not so much.
I love the setting and the issues it criticized.
I may read another book by the author but I've read somewhere that most of her books follow the same pattern and character types... I guess I'll take some time before reading another novel by June Hur.
I wanted to love the story to bits but some parts were a bit draggy and to be honest, Seol was not my favorite character. I was more captivated by Inspector Han.
The killer was quite a surprise to me, but the identity of her brother not so much.
I love the setting and the issues it criticized.
I may read another book by the author but I've read somewhere that most of her books follow the same pattern and character types... I guess I'll take some time before reading another novel by June Hur.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Wow
This book was a beautifully written rollercoaster of emotions.
There wasn't a single flat character I wanted to get to know them all better.
The themes of love, loss, change, revenge, honour that bind this book were truly moving.
And, ok I'm Jewish I don't often sympathise with Catholics just getting that out of the way, the setting with its persecution of Catholics and the way it permeated through every facet of society and the book was incredibly compelling and without truly taking a side narratively between the old way and the new way - the author managed to really beat home the point that both sides are human beings and Catholics at this time deserved better.
I've done so much reading about the time period in Korea as I read this, when people struck me as interesting or I didn't understand a cultural reference/term and all I have to say is, holy hell Prince Sado is a sad interesting story. And
Catholic hbic Kang Wan Sook deserved better
This book was a beautifully written rollercoaster of emotions.
There wasn't a single flat character I wanted to get to know them all better.
The themes of love, loss, change, revenge, honour that bind this book were truly moving.
And, ok I'm Jewish I don't often sympathise with Catholics just getting that out of the way, the setting with its persecution of Catholics and the way it permeated through every facet of society and the book was incredibly compelling and without truly taking a side narratively between the old way and the new way - the author managed to really beat home the point that both sides are human beings and Catholics at this time deserved better.
I've done so much reading about the time period in Korea as I read this, when people struck me as interesting or I didn't understand a cultural reference/term and all I have to say is, holy hell Prince Sado is a sad interesting story. And
Catholic hbic Kang Wan Sook deserved better
I'm not usually a big fan of historical, and that trend holds true here. It's an interesting read, but probably not one I'll come back to. The big twist was telegraphed early on, but the ending was still relatively satisfying. Right up until I read the author's note at the end I genuinely wasn't sure if it was based on real life events or whether the whole indenture system had been made up - I knew indenture was a thing in the history of the world, obviously, I just wasn't aware that it was in use in Korea. I also had to look up a lot of terms as there was no glossary, but maybe there will be when the book is published.
I'm glad I read it, but I won't be rushing to read more in this line.
I'm glad I read it, but I won't be rushing to read more in this line.
The book that fed my sageuk withdrawals this year. Well-paced, very atmospheric, and so well-written it felt like watching a sageuk. And yes, I've mentally casted the characters if they ever made this into a k-drama.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
very insightful story about korea in this age. i barely knew anything about how catholicism was viewed or treated in joseon era, so i found this prospect of it very interesting. i also did appreciate the focus this book put on family ties and siblinghood but i hoped that there could have been a better resolution for that in the end. red palace is still my favourite from june hur but i enjoyed reading this too