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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
2.5
I usually enjoy mystery books, but this is one of the exceptions. I didn't care about any of the characters or the plot reveals/twists, and I was bored all the way through. I feel like the main chatacter was so slow and she took a long time to see the things that were right in front of her, and she also got a bit too dramatic about everything.
However I didn't know that the story was based on real events, which was mentioned in the author's note, and I found that to be interesting.
I usually enjoy mystery books, but this is one of the exceptions. I didn't care about any of the characters or the plot reveals/twists, and I was bored all the way through. I feel like the main chatacter was so slow and she took a long time to see the things that were right in front of her, and she also got a bit too dramatic about everything.
However I didn't know that the story was based on real events, which was mentioned in the author's note, and I found that to be interesting.
This book deserves all the praise in the world. It was atmospheric and engaging, and each character; the main and the supporting, were so three dimensional that they left a huge impact on the story even if their roles were minor at best. The writing style kept me drawn in the entire time and anticipating each new twist and turn. Cannot wait to read more from the author!
The historical aspect was top notch! I enjoyed this, kept me at the edge of my seat in some parts and I learnt a whole lot of Korean history.
Intense and gripping murder mystery set in 1800 Joseon era Korea.
The setting probably accounts for half of my appreciation - helped along by many hours of watching historical Korean dramas, which is why it was so easy to really see the people occupying this story. Top knots, robes, swords, straw hats and hanbok dresses. But also murder, political machinations, the persecution of catholics and a girl just wanting to be with her family. Heartbreaking, but altogether an intriguing story which had me coming back until I knew the conclusion!
The setting probably accounts for half of my appreciation - helped along by many hours of watching historical Korean dramas, which is why it was so easy to really see the people occupying this story. Top knots, robes, swords, straw hats and hanbok dresses. But also murder, political machinations, the persecution of catholics and a girl just wanting to be with her family. Heartbreaking, but altogether an intriguing story which had me coming back until I knew the conclusion!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Indentured to the police bureau in early 19th century Joseon (Korea), Seol assists an inspector with the investigation into the murder of a noblewoman. When he becomes the prime suspect, her loyalty is tested, as she may be the only one capable of discovering what truly happened on the night of the murder.
The Silence of Bones is June Hur's debut, and in this book I can see the foundations of an excellent storyteller. While I found the historical detail interesting, I felt like there was a lot of religious advertising in the narrative, which in general I don't enjoy as a reader. Mostly, what this book lacked, which her others vastly improved on, were characters to empathise with and root for. I really couldn't care less for Seol or Inspector Han. Seol I found very flat, and the inspector just seemed cruel and unkind. Since I didn't care about the characters, I wasn't invested in their story, and so didn't really care about whether Seol would solve the mystery or absolve the inspector. I don't really get why she cared about him, to be honest, and I wanted her to have more self-respect. The author's female protagonists really develop stronger backbones in her following works, so I'd recommend skipping this one and starting with The Red Palace.
absolutely nothing *~*researchy*~* to see here; an ongoing reading list
1. A Study in Scarlet 2.5/5
2. The Hound of the Baskervilles 5/5
3. The Adventure of the Final Problem 4/5
4. Bath Haus 4.5/5
5. The Forest of Stolen Girls 4/5
6. The Red Palace 2/5
7. The Silence of Bones 1/5
The Silence of Bones is June Hur's debut, and in this book I can see the foundations of an excellent storyteller. While I found the historical detail interesting, I felt like there was a lot of religious advertising in the narrative, which in general I don't enjoy as a reader. Mostly, what this book lacked, which her others vastly improved on, were characters to empathise with and root for. I really couldn't care less for Seol or Inspector Han. Seol I found very flat, and the inspector just seemed cruel and unkind. Since I didn't care about the characters, I wasn't invested in their story, and so didn't really care about whether Seol would solve the mystery or absolve the inspector. I don't really get why she cared about him, to be honest, and I wanted her to have more self-respect. The author's female protagonists really develop stronger backbones in her following works, so I'd recommend skipping this one and starting with The Red Palace.
absolutely nothing *~*researchy*~* to see here; an ongoing reading list
1. A Study in Scarlet 2.5/5
2. The Hound of the Baskervilles 5/5
3. The Adventure of the Final Problem 4/5
4. Bath Haus 4.5/5
5. The Forest of Stolen Girls 4/5
6. The Red Palace 2/5
7. The Silence of Bones 1/5
The Silence of Bones does historical fiction well, drawing you straight into 1800s Korea—the city, the wilderness, and even the rain all feels so atmospheric. However, the characters were a bit lacking in the beginning and the book got a bit boring towards the middle. The storyline of Seol looking for her brother didn’t really add much, but the murder mystery takes an intriguing twist.