A review by thebakerbookworm
When We Fell Apart by Soon Wiley

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a stunning debut! Told from dual perspectives, the story alternates between Min's story, as he deals with the aftermath of Yu-jin's death and tries to determine if she actually committed suicide or if something more sinister happened, and Yu-jin's story, as she grows up an only child to a powerful government-official father and all the expectations that come with that, leading up to her eventual death.

I really liked the writing style of this one. There's a lot of room for reflection and the main characters are given space to breathe and grow and be complex. There are a few surprises, but while there is a mystery aspect, it's definitely more literary fiction, with the slower pace and character-driven plot. I really liked Min and Yu-jin and the journey that they both go on.

I do wish we'd gotten to spend a bit more time with some of the side characters, particularly Misaki and Detective Park, as I thought they also had interesting stories. I kinda wished we'd gotten some Misaki POV chapters.

We know from the beginning that Yu-jin is dead, and while this book isn't a sob fest, it's definitely a sad story, so don't read if you're not in the right mindset. There are several mentions and discussions of suicide. It's worth reading though, especially for all the reflections on identity and self-reflection and family and culture.

Thanks so much to Dutton Books for sending me this ARC!
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