Reviews

At Dusk by Hwang Sok-yong

_lesewesen's review

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.25

literarylife221b's review

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

ludwigdvorak's review

dark reflective slow-paced

3.0

Not a bad book but also not great by any means. I was pretty bored for long parts of this, especially about the construction companies and the gang/thug life memories in the slums. But I enjoyed the ending enough and I see how someone could enjoy this more than me.

juerioeoe's review

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

janacutie's review

informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

gayathiri_rajendran's review

4.0

At Dusk by Hwang Sok Yong is a bittersweet story about the modernization of architecture in Korea and how it has a profound impact on human characteristics. The story is narrated through two characters, Park Minwoo and Jung Woohee. Woohee's part of the story held more flavor than Minwoo's. The prose is relatively simple but it packs a punch.

At Dusk is a quiet but subtle read. The author puts forth some thoughts such as being successful does not necessarily bring happiness to one's mind. The two narratives converge at the end and we are left to reflect on the society. A sad but beautiful read I ultimately enjoyed.

wcnderfvl's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

kimhaein's review

challenging reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Hwang Sok-yong's At Dusk is a commentary on South Korea's rapid modernisation. The story follows two characters juxtaposed against each other in a manner that challenges us as the reader to really consider what it means to be a human surviving and how that unravels in everything that comes afterwards.

This book took me on a journey. The connections between the characters, the vivid descriptions, and the details in each scene make you feel like you're there with the characters, living through their experiences with them. Beautiful writing and excellently translated. It also gives you an understanding of modern Korean culture and values; how living to survive manifests different behaviours, characteristics, and ideals in different people. 

This is definitely a book that makes you feel and think. alot. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide

Moderate: Violence and Rape

jules_vp's review

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

3.5

sippingaugust's review

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A beautiful, haunting telling of life in South Korea after the Korean War. It’s a book to take in slowly, imagining yourself immersed in that environment. The way the ending comes together is just lovely. 

Some background information about Korean culture can be helpful but not necessary.