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A review by rivertonrat
At Dusk by Hwang Sok-yong
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book contains two narratives with alternating chapters between two characters:
Park Minwoo was born into poverty. Through education, hard work and ambition, he achieved success as an architect, establishing his own architecture firm and playing an important part in the redevelopment of Seoul. Now facing retirement, he reflects upon his past.
Jung Woohee is a struggling scriptwriter who hopes to succeed in Korean theatre. She supports herslf with an overnight job at a convenience store, and can barely make ends meet.
How these two people connect is a mystery for most of the book. Through the lens of two opposing perspectives,the author exposes fault lines within Korean society: highlighting the traditional importance of family and community ties versus the modern focus on career and personal success.
Hwang Sok Yong is a celebrated Korean author. He was imprisoned in the 1990s in South Korea for travelling to North Korea. He was arrested in the 1980s for protesting government policies. His interest and concerns about South Korea's direction fuel this story.
The writing is spare and succinct, yet a bit poetic. I enjoyed it immensely and felt it really provided a good sense of the social upheaval South Korea has undergone within the last half-century. The translation is top-notch.
Park Minwoo was born into poverty. Through education, hard work and ambition, he achieved success as an architect, establishing his own architecture firm and playing an important part in the redevelopment of Seoul. Now facing retirement, he reflects upon his past.
Jung Woohee is a struggling scriptwriter who hopes to succeed in Korean theatre. She supports herslf with an overnight job at a convenience store, and can barely make ends meet.
How these two people connect is a mystery for most of the book. Through the lens of two opposing perspectives,the author exposes fault lines within Korean society: highlighting the traditional importance of family and community ties versus the modern focus on career and personal success.
Hwang Sok Yong is a celebrated Korean author. He was imprisoned in the 1990s in South Korea for travelling to North Korea. He was arrested in the 1980s for protesting government policies. His interest and concerns about South Korea's direction fuel this story.
The writing is spare and succinct, yet a bit poetic. I enjoyed it immensely and felt it really provided a good sense of the social upheaval South Korea has undergone within the last half-century. The translation is top-notch.