A review by ophelia_
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In Yolk, Mary H.K. Choi crafts a devastating narrative that follows two estranged sisters.
Please check out the Content Warnings before reading!

First off, I would personally classify this as New Adult, rather than Young Adult Fiction. Not only are some heavy and impactful topics discussed, but they are topics that those in the Young Adult age range may be struggling with especially, and Choi grapples with them deeply. (including EDs (anorexia, bulimia), terminal illness, racism, grief, miscarriage and sexual content).

This is not to say that these heavier topics are mishandled in any way. Choi is purposeful and definitive in her writing, letting you feel each high and low for every character in excruciating detail. Any shine or facade is stripped away during Jayne's inner dialogue, revealing the intimately human and visceral experience of the main character and those surrounding her. Choi's characterisation in this novel was phenomenal. There did not seem to be a single character that felt like a caricature or fictional being - each individual stood out as painfully real. Painting New York City as unlike the filter-washed image that the tourism industry displays it to be, the settings of the novel take on a life of their own - actively swaying Jayne in what seems like an echo of the toxic relationship she shares with characters like
Jeremy
.

I did think that Choi handled the ending very well, succeeding in bringing me to tears.
I was a little apprehensive that the ending was going to bring the narrative to a close too neatly, but I felt Choi left Yolk on a beautifully poignant and ambiguous foot. While I can somewhat understand the criticism that the ending is abruptly positive, I feel as though the ambiguity of June's procedure, consistent imbalance in family dynamics/truth, as well as the moment/line Choi decided to end the novel on allowed the devastatingly real life that Jayne and June live enough room to breathe - rather than halt the story in its tracks entirely.


In conclusion, Yolk is an impactful and beautiful novel that explores the intricacies of damaged relationships with oneself and others and examines the role one can play in helping others while denying help for themselves. 

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