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The Story of Hong Gildong by

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shesun's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense slow-paced

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

3.5

nasarose's review

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4.0

The translator notes on this edition are both informative and a little sassy.

I managed to find another classic that I don't hate! Although, I did have numerous problems with this book, I did kind of enjoy reading this book. I picked it up because of the first sentence of the blurb, 'The Story of Hong Gildong is arguably the most important work of classic Korean fiction'. The introduction then proceeds to argue this case, which was an interesting read and I know more about Korean history than before. You can also see Korean traditions, which arguably are still in practice today, which was also interesting. Would I recommend this book? Sure, if you are intrigued in Korean culture, or want to read a classic that isn't from the Greco-Roman world. It's a short, insightful read that gives you a fictional insight into the Joseon period. Why not?

In terms of the story... it was so hypocritical. Hong Gildong feels aggrieved for being the illegitimate son of a government minister and a concubine, because he has the education of an nobleman, but lacks the means to do anything with it. Because he is the legitimate son, he is not allowed to go into politics, or the military. Then at the end of this book...

Spoiler

Hong Gildong becomes a King, and has two of his own concubines, and the son's of the concubine's aren't given the same rights as the legitimate son.

. And even though Hong Gildong feels wronged from the system he's living under, he still follows tradition. But I did enjoy the fantasy element of this book, and how it's very similar to a Korean version of Robin Hood with magical powers.