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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
There were some intriguing aspects to this book, but I have to agree with many other readers that the English translation is difficult to read. I do not speak Korean, but I suspect this is a very literal translation. I am sure the author’s style works fine in Korean, but this translation probably makes sense only to readers who also speak Korean and/or are familiar with Korean culture - which is not the point of translating a book to reach a broader audience, right? Were it not for the linguistic aspect, I would have given this book at least 3 stars.
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this psychological thriller about a criminal psychologist, Seonkyeong, who is granted a much coveted interview with one of the most renowned serial killers, Yi Byeongdo. At the same time, her husband's creepy 10-year old daughter from a previous marriage comes to live with them after her grandparents die in a mysterious fire. As time goes on Seonkyeong begins to see similarities between Yi Byeongdo and her stepdaughter.
This book definitely kept me turning the pages but the ending was unsatisfying. Too many loose ends and an uncertain conclusion.
This book definitely kept me turning the pages but the ending was unsatisfying. Too many loose ends and an uncertain conclusion.
Anxiety, dread and tension, everything I'd hoped for from a book like this. There's not much scarier to me than a look at the potential people have for evil, and this look into childhood trauma does just that. It's definitely not an easy read, but if you're looking for something brimming with tension and suspense, this is it.
dark
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Weird choice for me as my interest in criminal psychology is firmly in the negative, but I was curious about the creepy kid and needed something I wouldn’t care too much about. I thought it was an interesting story anyway though and I liked the ending for the most part.
I struggle with the open ended ending because while I think it was the right choice that fit this story I also really wanna know every detail of what happens next.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
„Memory is a strange thing. Your mind remembers only what it wants to remember. It keeps only what it can handle“
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This book though!!!
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This book though!!!