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A review by yandichih
The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur 허주은
4.0
“What bribe is large enough that a beautiful maiden will be set aside?”
Solid read! First thing first, June Hur's “The Forest of Stolen Girls” takes us on a journey through 15th-century Korea, which I honestly lacked knowledge about. Now, the story doesn't read like a typical historical fiction. There's a modern flair to it, and sometimes, I almost forgot it was set in 1426 - if it was not for the historical tidbits scattered here and there throughout the book. These glimpses into Korean history showed the attention for detail that the author has put into her work.
The pacing of the story felt just right to me. The mysteries unfolded with a satisfying rhythm, keeping me engaged without becoming too predictable. The way June weaves the scenes, especially the picturesque landscapes of Jeju, Nowon village, and the surroundings of Mount Halla, is nothing short of poetic. Her descriptive prowess truly immerses the reader in the beauty of the setting, making it almost tangible.
At its core, this is a story of lost and found, of sisters who rediscover each other against the backdrop of girls' disappearances and murders. It's a beautiful exploration of friendship and growth, particularly in the bond between Hwani and Maewol.
One aspect of the story that left a lasting impression on me was the portrayal of tribute girls. Learning about this dark chapter in Korean history was heartbreaking. While I was familiar with the history of comfort women during World War II, the plight of tribute girls in 15th-century Korea was a reminder of the atrocities committed against young girls throughout history.
CW: murder, kidnapping, vomit
Solid read! First thing first, June Hur's “The Forest of Stolen Girls” takes us on a journey through 15th-century Korea, which I honestly lacked knowledge about. Now, the story doesn't read like a typical historical fiction. There's a modern flair to it, and sometimes, I almost forgot it was set in 1426 - if it was not for the historical tidbits scattered here and there throughout the book. These glimpses into Korean history showed the attention for detail that the author has put into her work.
The pacing of the story felt just right to me. The mysteries unfolded with a satisfying rhythm, keeping me engaged without becoming too predictable. The way June weaves the scenes, especially the picturesque landscapes of Jeju, Nowon village, and the surroundings of Mount Halla, is nothing short of poetic. Her descriptive prowess truly immerses the reader in the beauty of the setting, making it almost tangible.
At its core, this is a story of lost and found, of sisters who rediscover each other against the backdrop of girls' disappearances and murders. It's a beautiful exploration of friendship and growth, particularly in the bond between Hwani and Maewol.
One aspect of the story that left a lasting impression on me was the portrayal of tribute girls. Learning about this dark chapter in Korean history was heartbreaking. While I was familiar with the history of comfort women during World War II, the plight of tribute girls in 15th-century Korea was a reminder of the atrocities committed against young girls throughout history.
CW: murder, kidnapping, vomit