A review by mariebrunelm
One Hundred Shadows by Hwang Jungeun

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

Received as an ARC for its republication.

Eungyo and Mujae are employees of a derelict market spreading over several buildings and intricate alleyways. Their life goes on while around them shadows grow. Literally. No one knows exactly what prompts someone’s shadow to rise, but on no account should anyone follow their shadow.

This haunting novel is short but very atmospheric. There is no plot so to speak, but you are invited rather to amble along with the main characters, witness their growing attachment for each other, and check from time to time what your shadow is doing behind your back. It could have been a very noisy novel, full of high stakes and dramatic plot points. I’m quite happy with the path chosen by the author to keep everything very quiet and subdued. It is very slightly creepy, but again, nothing spectacular, always with nuance. Although I have aphantasia and didn’t picture much, I thought it would make a great indie movie because of the novel’s visual potential.