A review by rachelmaria
Whale by Cheon Myeong-kwan

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A great plot and very colorful characters that I really enjoyed reading about. Good pace, really great story telling with a strong sense of humor. However, the descriptions of women's bodies in this book serve as a constant reminder that this book is written by a man. Lots of casual mysogeny "people were impressed by her unwomanly capacity to boldly persue new opportunities" and there is very casual reference to rape throughout. 
I would score the first half of the book 4* and the second half 2*, as my interest started to dwindle the more cruel and capatalist Geumbok became, but then ended strong as my heart broke for Chunhui.
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