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A review by ayeitsdaye
One Hundred Shadows by Hwang Jungeun
3.0
"One Hundred Shadows" presents itself as a short yet enthralling slice-of-life novel, certainly leaning more contemporary fiction with a touch of magical realism. In my experience with the book, the characters Eungyo and Mujae felt somewhat stiff and awkward, and their interactions seemed burdened by stilted dialogue. This aspect hindered my ability to form a strong connection with the characters, leaving room for improvement in terms of natural and engaging character dynamics. I think this is more of a result of translating conversation patterns to English and don't necessarily hold it against
On a positive note, the novel excels in crafting an exceptionally immersive background environment. The author skillfully paints a vivid picture of the surroundings, allowing me to feel truly present in the story's setting. The atmospheric elements contribute significantly to the overall tone, creating a palpable sense of place that enhances the reading experience.
The concept of shadows rising, while initially intriguing, left me yearning for more exploration. However, the symbolism of shadows as a metaphor for despair is executed with excellence. The shadows serve as a disorienting yet surreal vehicle for poignant commentary on the impacts of gentrification, offering valuable insights into the struggles of those marginalized and pushed out by societal changes.
In summary, "One Hundred Shadows" just lacks a solid plot, but makes up for it with the evocative surroundings. While the characters and their interactions may leave something to be desired, the almost tactile environment and the clever use of the shadow metaphor for social commentary make it a worthwhile read. The novel provides a unique perspective on the effects of gentrification and the challenges faced by those caught in its shadows. Not at all what I was expecting, but I'm glad to have taken the time.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exhange for this honest review.
On a positive note, the novel excels in crafting an exceptionally immersive background environment. The author skillfully paints a vivid picture of the surroundings, allowing me to feel truly present in the story's setting. The atmospheric elements contribute significantly to the overall tone, creating a palpable sense of place that enhances the reading experience.
The concept of shadows rising, while initially intriguing, left me yearning for more exploration. However, the symbolism of shadows as a metaphor for despair is executed with excellence. The shadows serve as a disorienting yet surreal vehicle for poignant commentary on the impacts of gentrification, offering valuable insights into the struggles of those marginalized and pushed out by societal changes.
In summary, "One Hundred Shadows" just lacks a solid plot, but makes up for it with the evocative surroundings. While the characters and their interactions may leave something to be desired, the almost tactile environment and the clever use of the shadow metaphor for social commentary make it a worthwhile read. The novel provides a unique perspective on the effects of gentrification and the challenges faced by those caught in its shadows. Not at all what I was expecting, but I'm glad to have taken the time.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in exhange for this honest review.