A review by koreanlinda
The Future of Silence: Fiction by Korean Women by Bruce Fulton, Han Yujoo, Kim Chi-won, Ju-Chan Fulton, Park Wan-Suh, Oh Jung-hee, Seo Yeongeun, Kim Ae-ran, Kim Sagwa, Gong Seonok, Cheon Un-Yeong

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Phew, that was a lot. This anthology of nine stories written by Korean women from various periods in modern Korean history will blow your mind with its diversity and depth. I had to take breaks between stories because there was plenty of emotional substance to take in and process. Living in South Korea as a woman is quite difficult. I knew it already from my own experience of living there until my adolescence and later visiting and working there briefly. What I learned anew from the first half of this book is what my mother and aunts would have gone through in their times. 

Since I am sensitive to the quality of translation, I looked up information about the translators beforehand. The married couple have been working together translating Korean literature for many years, and I was able to see their expertise in this book. 

I'd be happy to exchange thoughts on any particular story if anyone would like. Feel free to message me on Instagram below. 

Review by Linda (Any Pronouns) in June 2024
Personal essays on DefinitelyNotOkay.com
Artwork on Instagram @KoreanLinda
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