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clavishorti's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Shoko's Smile is a compilation of seven poignant short stories by Choi Eun-young, offering a profound exploration of South Korea's history and politics through the lens of its women and their intricate relationships. These stories traverse a spectrum of cultural contexts and significant moments in Korean history, including the deeply poignant Sewol ferry tragedy, societal uprisings, the mysterious handling of those suspected as North Korean agents in the South, and the Vietnam War. At its core, the stories revolve around the profound losses suffered due to time, mortality, and for reasons that often elude complete comprehension. What sets this book apart is not only its diverse array of characters but also the rich tapestry of settings that grace its pages, a delightful and much-welcomed surprise. Moreover, it evokes a myriad of emotions, seamlessly weaving a poignant sense of nostalgia with an undercurrent of profound sorrow, leaving readers yearning to hold their loved ones close.
The choice of the first story, "Shoko's Smile," as the eponymous centerpiece is a masterstroke. Personally, I found this narrative deeply resonant, and it's no wonder it takes center stage. It beautifully unravels the connection between Soyu and Shoko, Japanese high school students whose paths serendipitously converge during a student exchange program in Korea. The narrative deftly navigates the terrain of mental health, imparting a crucial lesson: appearances can be deceiving, and one must exercise caution before passing judgment. It also serves as a poignant reminder to cultivate gratitude for our own lives, for what may seem inferior to others may hide a deeper, unseen pain. I was profoundly moved and saddened by this story, affirming the aptness of "Shoko's Smile" as the opening gem of this collection.
The second story, "Xin Chào, Xin Chào," unfurls around two families tightly bound by the threads of kinship, despite their disparate Korean and Vietnamese backgrounds. It casts a piercing light on history, particularly the shadows of conflict that marred Vietnam. The narrative delves into the lingering scars of trauma, questioning the true intent behind warfare. Is it a pursuit of collective well-being, or merely a scramble for seats of power fueled by greed? More often than not, it's the innocent civilians who bear the brunt of these conflicts, prompting reflection on whose well-being is genuinely at stake.
"Sister, My Little Soonae" immerses us in the intricate tapestry of sisterhood, skillfully woven with prominent political motifs. This narrative chronicles the poignant lives of two siblings, their connection strained by the pervasive injustices of society. Despite their fervent longing to embrace each other, an unrelenting pain stands sentinel, keeping them at a heart-wrenching distance. The ache of their unfulfilled yearning is palpable, painting a vivid portrait of the complexities that bind and yet separate them.
The fourth story, "Hanji and Youngju," navigates the ambiguous ties between Youngju and Hanji, a Kenyan youth, both volunteers at a monastery in France. It grapples with the weighty choices and responsibilities that stretch across years of one's life. The author deftly tugs at the reader's emotions, depicting the slow blossoming of friendship into a love that transcends stark social and cultural divides. One is a young Korean woman on a quest for self-discovery and purpose, while the other is a Nairobi man shouldering familial expectations.
"A Song From Afar" whisks the reader away to Russia, where the narrator embarks on a quest to find a woman dear to them, a few years their senior from the same university. The narrative also provides a backdrop of student bands and alumni organizations, shedding light on the underestimation of women in society. It also underscores the profound impact certain individuals can have on our journey towards becoming better versions of ourselves.
"Michaela" revolves around the momentous visit of the Pope to Seoul in 2014, casting a spotlight on the intersections of faith and history. As the event draws near, Michaela's mother embarks on a journey to Seoul, opting to convey to her daughter that she'll be staying with a friend—though in truth, she yearns to be extended an invitation, rather than explicitly asked. This subtle dance of familial dynamics and personal convictions unfurls a rich tapestry of complexity. The narrative ventures further into Michaela's family, introducing us to her father, a fervent political activist whose ideals and actions shape their household. Amidst these layers, the narrative also touches upon the devastating Sewol ferry tragedy, a haunting backdrop against which the family's story unfolds.
The final tale, "The Secret," celebrates the priceless bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. It harbors a hidden twist, one that might be deduced by Korean readers, but remains veiled within the story itself, only revealed in the translator's closing remarks. This story, in my view, resonates with a profound sense of melancholy.
In summation, Choi Eun-young's Shoko's Smile weaves a tapestry of stories that serve as windows into the intricate interplay of history, politics, and human connections in South Korea. Through diverse characters, Eun-young deftly unravels themes of loss, trauma, and the unexpected power of bonds forged amidst adversity. These narratives resonate deeply, serving as poignant reminders of the often unseen struggles that shape our existence. With its evocative prose and keen observations, this collection stands as a testament to the author's ability to touch the core of human experience. Shoko's Smile transcends mere literature; it is an emotional odyssey that lingers, leaving readers moved and contemplative long after the final page is turned.
The choice of the first story, "Shoko's Smile," as the eponymous centerpiece is a masterstroke. Personally, I found this narrative deeply resonant, and it's no wonder it takes center stage. It beautifully unravels the connection between Soyu and Shoko, Japanese high school students whose paths serendipitously converge during a student exchange program in Korea. The narrative deftly navigates the terrain of mental health, imparting a crucial lesson: appearances can be deceiving, and one must exercise caution before passing judgment. It also serves as a poignant reminder to cultivate gratitude for our own lives, for what may seem inferior to others may hide a deeper, unseen pain. I was profoundly moved and saddened by this story, affirming the aptness of "Shoko's Smile" as the opening gem of this collection.
The second story, "Xin Chào, Xin Chào," unfurls around two families tightly bound by the threads of kinship, despite their disparate Korean and Vietnamese backgrounds. It casts a piercing light on history, particularly the shadows of conflict that marred Vietnam. The narrative delves into the lingering scars of trauma, questioning the true intent behind warfare. Is it a pursuit of collective well-being, or merely a scramble for seats of power fueled by greed? More often than not, it's the innocent civilians who bear the brunt of these conflicts, prompting reflection on whose well-being is genuinely at stake.
"Sister, My Little Soonae" immerses us in the intricate tapestry of sisterhood, skillfully woven with prominent political motifs. This narrative chronicles the poignant lives of two siblings, their connection strained by the pervasive injustices of society. Despite their fervent longing to embrace each other, an unrelenting pain stands sentinel, keeping them at a heart-wrenching distance. The ache of their unfulfilled yearning is palpable, painting a vivid portrait of the complexities that bind and yet separate them.
The fourth story, "Hanji and Youngju," navigates the ambiguous ties between Youngju and Hanji, a Kenyan youth, both volunteers at a monastery in France. It grapples with the weighty choices and responsibilities that stretch across years of one's life. The author deftly tugs at the reader's emotions, depicting the slow blossoming of friendship into a love that transcends stark social and cultural divides. One is a young Korean woman on a quest for self-discovery and purpose, while the other is a Nairobi man shouldering familial expectations.
"A Song From Afar" whisks the reader away to Russia, where the narrator embarks on a quest to find a woman dear to them, a few years their senior from the same university. The narrative also provides a backdrop of student bands and alumni organizations, shedding light on the underestimation of women in society. It also underscores the profound impact certain individuals can have on our journey towards becoming better versions of ourselves.
"Michaela" revolves around the momentous visit of the Pope to Seoul in 2014, casting a spotlight on the intersections of faith and history. As the event draws near, Michaela's mother embarks on a journey to Seoul, opting to convey to her daughter that she'll be staying with a friend—though in truth, she yearns to be extended an invitation, rather than explicitly asked. This subtle dance of familial dynamics and personal convictions unfurls a rich tapestry of complexity. The narrative ventures further into Michaela's family, introducing us to her father, a fervent political activist whose ideals and actions shape their household. Amidst these layers, the narrative also touches upon the devastating Sewol ferry tragedy, a haunting backdrop against which the family's story unfolds.
The final tale, "The Secret," celebrates the priceless bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. It harbors a hidden twist, one that might be deduced by Korean readers, but remains veiled within the story itself, only revealed in the translator's closing remarks. This story, in my view, resonates with a profound sense of melancholy.
In summation, Choi Eun-young's Shoko's Smile weaves a tapestry of stories that serve as windows into the intricate interplay of history, politics, and human connections in South Korea. Through diverse characters, Eun-young deftly unravels themes of loss, trauma, and the unexpected power of bonds forged amidst adversity. These narratives resonate deeply, serving as poignant reminders of the often unseen struggles that shape our existence. With its evocative prose and keen observations, this collection stands as a testament to the author's ability to touch the core of human experience. Shoko's Smile transcends mere literature; it is an emotional odyssey that lingers, leaving readers moved and contemplative long after the final page is turned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Cancer, War, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Misogyny
Minor: Child death
daniellekat's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
The writing was somewhat plain for me but the stories were good. I generally liked them all, with the last three really standing out as favourites ("The Secret" nearly made me cry). My least favourite was "Hanji and Youngju". It was too long and the characters were unlikable and boring. Overall this was a solid collection and worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, and Mental illness
Minor: War
soffemf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Cancer
Moderate: Domestic abuse
heatherjay94's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
So much pain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Death, Mental illness, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: War, Terminal illness, Torture, and Child death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
zarlynsnook's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
All the stories featured in the book are heart-wrenching. Each of them examplifies different types of relationship,makes the book relatable,all of them made me very emotional(even the author and translator's note has me sobbing😭).
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Death, Toxic friendship, Child death, and War
thewordsdevourer's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
this is a beautiful collection of short stories, each distinct yet threaded w/ a commonality of bittersweet reflection thats tinged w/ melancholy.
shoko's smile both squeezes and fills my heart w/ its perceptive meditation on life and - perhaps most astonishingly - its mastery in capturing and somehow succinctly articulating all the subtle ways ppl drift from one another, the oft confounding how's and why's relationships - even and esp dear ones - tense, transform, and taper off over time. it's both life's tragedy and happiness that ppl can find so much solace and love in one another, yet nothing can ensure that any of it will endure.
i also admire how choi brings up and explores so many underrepresented and maybe-taboo topics in her stories - esp considering her home country's social and political climates - some of which include korea's own little-known war atrocities abroad; disability; state violence and unjudicial repression; feminism and local rigid age-based social hierarchy; and ofc, the sewol tragedy. and they're all examined thru various types of relationships as well, be it friends, families, lovers, neighbors, those from other cultures, etc.
the book's overall calm, sparse feeling + writing, and melancholic yet a lil hopeful rumination on life strike a chord with(in) me, even reminding me of my lifetime fav kitchen, and this has for sure become another fav, albeit a bittersweet, heartrending one.
shoko's smile both squeezes and fills my heart w/ its perceptive meditation on life and - perhaps most astonishingly - its mastery in capturing and somehow succinctly articulating all the subtle ways ppl drift from one another, the oft confounding how's and why's relationships - even and esp dear ones - tense, transform, and taper off over time. it's both life's tragedy and happiness that ppl can find so much solace and love in one another, yet nothing can ensure that any of it will endure.
i also admire how choi brings up and explores so many underrepresented and maybe-taboo topics in her stories - esp considering her home country's social and political climates - some of which include korea's own little-known war atrocities abroad; disability; state violence and unjudicial repression; feminism and local rigid age-based social hierarchy; and ofc, the sewol tragedy. and they're all examined thru various types of relationships as well, be it friends, families, lovers, neighbors, those from other cultures, etc.
the book's overall calm, sparse feeling + writing, and melancholic yet a lil hopeful rumination on life strike a chord with(in) me, even reminding me of my lifetime fav kitchen, and this has for sure become another fav, albeit a bittersweet, heartrending one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, Sexism, and War
Minor: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Torture, Police brutality, Murder, Death, Child death, Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Grief
santreads's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I sit in my dark room sobbing quietly as I write this 'review'. This isn't going to be coherent but WOW, this book!!
Absolutely stunning writing. The character sketches, the underlying grief and sadness of each character and the situation, the incorporation of a social/political issue of Korea in the stories - just WOW.
These stories weren't anything great, anything that felt like huge monumental stories - I feel like you'll read this book after seeing this review and expect to be wowed and maybe you will and maybe you won't, but it made me feel things. It made me feel the character's pain and love and loss and made me want to write. And for that I'm grateful.
Absolutely stunning writing. The character sketches, the underlying grief and sadness of each character and the situation, the incorporation of a social/political issue of Korea in the stories - just WOW.
These stories weren't anything great, anything that felt like huge monumental stories - I feel like you'll read this book after seeing this review and expect to be wowed and maybe you will and maybe you won't, but it made me feel things. It made me feel the character's pain and love and loss and made me want to write. And for that I'm grateful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Cancer, Child death, and War
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