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A review by emkellreads
One Hundred Shadows by Hwang Jungeun
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
While this book was first published in 2010 and already translated for the UK market, this edition was recently published for the US market.
I received an ARC through NetGalley and want to thank Kensington Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
Irrespective of this being an ARC review, the following is my honest opinion:
Hwang Jungeun's writing is as clearcut as they come. There is no unnecessary fat. The structure is almost a stream of consciousness, while still highlighting details in absolute clarity and precision. One Hundred Shadows is not build on an overarching plot nor does much of "substance" happen, yet its theme takes you on a journey. It's the everyday themes that make this book so strong. The fantastical elements of "rising shadows" (pressure, expectations, dread that materializes in your shadow haunting you) juxtapose to the descriptions of the struggle to make a living in a poor neighbourhood of a Korean city in the current times.
If you're used to the prose of most modern Western fantasy, Hwang Jungeon's style might take some getting used to but through it's simplicity, it quickly gains an almost trance like rhythm. I've read this book mostly in one sitting and really enjoyed it.
I'm sure I'll spend more time thinking about its themes.
I received an ARC through NetGalley and want to thank Kensington Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
Irrespective of this being an ARC review, the following is my honest opinion:
Hwang Jungeun's writing is as clearcut as they come. There is no unnecessary fat. The structure is almost a stream of consciousness, while still highlighting details in absolute clarity and precision. One Hundred Shadows is not build on an overarching plot nor does much of "substance" happen, yet its theme takes you on a journey. It's the everyday themes that make this book so strong. The fantastical elements of "rising shadows" (pressure, expectations, dread that materializes in your shadow haunting you) juxtapose to the descriptions of the struggle to make a living in a poor neighbourhood of a Korean city in the current times.
If you're used to the prose of most modern Western fantasy, Hwang Jungeon's style might take some getting used to but through it's simplicity, it quickly gains an almost trance like rhythm. I've read this book mostly in one sitting and really enjoyed it.
I'm sure I'll spend more time thinking about its themes.