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jazzsequence's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Interesting from a mythological and historical standpoint but not something I would read again for fun. A lot more attention is given to royal minutiae than the “Robin Hood” elements or explanations and descriptions of magic. There’s never any real tension, the hero is always going to win at everything, which is of course the point of the story, but makes it less interesting to a modern audience.
ceri124's review
3.0
3.5*
A Korean Classic and a quick read, no complaints but wouldn't necessarily read again
A Korean Classic and a quick read, no complaints but wouldn't necessarily read again
qwertyqwerty's review
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
It was an interesting read, especially with the footnotes explaining some cultural differences and transliterations. There's not really any serious conflict of the book, just a simple and fun read.
dhalse's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
snowblu3's review
3.0
Assigned reading for a history class. The first half was entertaining but I started getting bored in the second half.
hkihm's review
4.0
Interesting history behind this story that is a big part of Korean lore, Hong Gildong who is like a Korean Robin Hood with superpowers. My only gripe is that because the notes are so important to understanding the text, they should be included as footnotes or on the margins rather than endnotes.
hilse's review
3.0
Enjoyable quick read. Introduction gives a nice background of the tale and its cultural importance.
mal_eficent's review
adventurous
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I found this story's place in literature canon (and the introduction/note son translation) to be more interesting than the actual story itself, but that's partly because I don't like Hong Gildong as a character.
His pain over being ostracised from society, and restricted because of his status as a concubine's son, isn't enough to make him an enjoyable protagonist for me. He's all powerful, all knowing, and still boring. The actual plot is fun, camp action, though, and I might hunt down an adaptation to see if I enjoy it more with a different tone.
It's still an interesting and worthwhile read if you're someone who is interested in classics, though!
His pain over being ostracised from society, and restricted because of his status as a concubine's son, isn't enough to make him an enjoyable protagonist for me. He's all powerful, all knowing, and still boring. The actual plot is fun, camp action, though, and I might hunt down an adaptation to see if I enjoy it more with a different tone.
It's still an interesting and worthwhile read if you're someone who is interested in classics, though!