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This book was a great representation of evil/repressed/depressed consciousness for the characters (or am I off) … the characters are struggling with their environment and life in general, but “the shadow” in psychology has been represented as the negative aspects of consciousness… therefore this aspect of the shadow was represented beautifully… Even though this is dark it delivers… I loved it

Eungyo & Mujae work in small shops in a market slated for demolition & redevelopment. It‘s a difficult time for those living on the margins as they do—people are disappearing, following their shadows, which have started rising up & leaving, & life is never easy. As they fall in love, the young couple asks seemingly small questions which actually have a lot to say about capitalism, materialism, community & more. A quiet, intriguing read.

GR Goal complete 😅

I feel a little ambivalent toward this story. The prose was well-written & poetic but I feel like the metaphor present wasn‘t carved out enough. To me, this was a story of solitary lives & generalized depression - the shadows being a metaphor for this? So little happens that I‘m not sure what the author is trying to convey. I enjoyed the slice of life in Korea. But, I‘m not sure I fully understand the story presented.

I wanted the weird speculative premise of this books (break-away shadows) to be much more at the forefront that it was. The way it could've tied into the political / socio-economic commentary would've been so strong and really made the story stand out more. As it was, I kind of had to drag myself through this one. Ah well.

Not just depressing. Bleak. I didn‘t like it, but that‘s more due to my personal preferences—meaning, my lack of enjoyment has little to do with the quality of the book. I just don‘t like them hopeless. Despite that, I don‘t regret reading it, not really.

Not exactly a pan—a miss.

2.5/5

#magicalrealism #korea #smallbooks #onedayread

I am reading this over the weekend. It is an odd little book which is just my style.

This was eerie, atmospheric and over too quickly. I would read more from this author.

4 ☆

#translated #Koreanlit

Sometimes, I take inky reading notes.

I read this new Korean novel on the app Pigeonhole. It delivers a new section of the book you choose each day. Perfect for reading while commuting on the bus or train--something I do for 4 hours per day😅
Has anyone else tried this app? #photoadaynov16 #planestrainsautomobiles