A review by sweetsanchia
Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum

funny lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

🌟4.5🌟 Initially, I was somewhat bothered by the slow
pace of the book. Nothing very "interesting", so-to-speak, happened. It's merely a story about a woman who accomplishes her dream of opening a bookshop and the relationships she builds and observes while within it. But, after mulling it over, I began to appreciate the slow tone that the book takes - it felt very reminiscent of real life in that not every moment you live must be astounding and incredibly interesting. The book made me reflect on life: what makes life interesting is that duality of the duller and more lively moments - of which this book has both. The writer, in my opinion, manages to bring about conversations about difficult topics such as self-image, social expectations and living up to the expectations of others while still fostering a light and airy feel to the book (if that can even be said about a book). The book peers into the lives of other ordinary people, offering their perspectives on multifaceted issues - I believe this to be a reflection of the author's views and they present them by instilling these perspectives into the book's characters.
As much as I may have initially thought that I wouldn't enjoy the book much, it truly has been a great way to get back into reading and has provided me a much needed reflection of real life and reality that I never expected to receive from a book.
TW: Toxic relationship, (Minor mentions of: Infidelity and Suicidal thoughts )
Expand filter menu Content Warnings