A review by stilljennifer
The Evening Hero by Marie Myung-Ok Lee

4.0

3.5 rounded up. There was so much I loved about this book, particularly the flashback to the protagonist's youth in Korea, but what kept this from being a 5-star book was the unevenness of tone in places. While I understand the author likely wanted to throw in some levity, I thought some of the more farcical ideas (the medispa situation, for instance) really clashed with the seriousness of the rest of the novel. I really felt that whole section took me out of the story and I didn't really get into it until after that was over. I'm all for a bit of lightheartedness and even flippant social commentary, but I prefer it to be made in a linear way, whereas this flip-flopped between frivolous and heartbreaking.

That being said, it was a very good read in places, and another one I imagine will end up on many Best Of lists by the end of the year and into 2023. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.