A review by jedore
Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

“There are just two things in the world that give you true confidence. One is overcoming difficulties on your own, and the other is being deeply loved. If you experience both, then you will be confident for the rest of your life.”

This is a sweeping historical novel set against the backdrop of Korea’s fight for independence from Japanese rule in the early 20th century. The story follows several intertwined lives: from Jade, a young girl sold to a courtesan school, to JungHo, a street orphan turned soldier, and the wealthy, powerful figures whose fates are inextricably linked with theirs. Through personal struggles, love, loss, and the brutality of war, Juhea Kim explores themes of survival, identity, and the transformative power of hope.

At first, I was a little worried because there were so many characters introduced in the beginning, and it was challenging to keep track of them all. But then, suddenly, everything clicked—and I couldn’t put the book down! 

I absolutely loved the book. Kim’s writing is beautiful and the story spans a lifetime, covering decades of history and personal evolution in a way that isn't cliché or predictable. It's also educational, offering a personal glimpse into a turbulent time in Korea's history without feeling like a history lesson. The depth of the characters and the unexpected turns kept me hooked until the very end.

If you enjoy novels that are intricately layered, historical, and beautifully written, I highly recommend this book! 
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