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amberreadseverything's review
2.5
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.
mobyskine's review
3.0
A very unique coming of age fiction divided by three stages of plot that totally giving me a rare insight and thoughts. The starting chapter was very intriguing and emotional-- the story of Jae was a bit depressing but Donggyu's story was as well kind of disturbing. Two little boys with different background but sharing a sorrowful fate. I love the friendship at the beginning and the narrative was somehow giving me a heartbreaking truth about the real hardship of living in a troubled home life. The middle part shifting its plot to a story of youth motorcycle gang, a different view of Jae's life and a bit of Donggyu-- quite intense and thrilled, culture conflicts involving the authority and community as a whole, teenage runaways and all these rebellious, violence and teenage prostitution. Descriptive but not much gripping my attention, think I only managed to read it further cause of Jae. This part was a bit draggy to me but it gave me a kind of interesting image of Seoul. My favorite would be the last chapter. It shifted again to a totally different perspective, from a fiction writer's view who was interested in writing about Jae and Donggyu. This part was more melancholic and drama-ish, but I love that it flows more beautifully and well structured.
I think the review by John Darnielle on blurb was super precise. Kim Young Ha's writing was dark and giving you an unusual reading experience cause of his style in here was segregated to various plot that some might think it was bizarre and totally disjointed. It journeyed your curiosity in different stages, you might want to read further or just disliking it totally. The ending leaving me a bitter after-taste, but I somehow love it.
I think the review by John Darnielle on blurb was super precise. Kim Young Ha's writing was dark and giving you an unusual reading experience cause of his style in here was segregated to various plot that some might think it was bizarre and totally disjointed. It journeyed your curiosity in different stages, you might want to read further or just disliking it totally. The ending leaving me a bitter after-taste, but I somehow love it.
reneereads's review
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
bran's review
3.0
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.
shannonrose's review
4.0
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.
chaoticbibliophile's review
2.0
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!
farenmaddox's review
3.0
I ended up not really caring for the story and feeling pretty detached overall, but I stuck with the book and finished it because I thought the writing itself (and the translation) was quite good. I feel like it would have only gotten 1 or 2 stars if I hadn't enjoyed the writing style as much as I did.
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