"I had a dream..." Not a vision, not a hope, but honestly life changing sleep induced nightmares. This beautifully written and translated Korean novel is intoxicating. Not only for the foreign attitudes and incredible imagery, but for the ability to entwine you in the vines of unnatural nature in both man and environment. How often do we awake and shake off hazy dreams or take them seriously enough to change our outlook on life forever? I finished the book shaken and unsure but knowing these characters have taught me some truths of the soul. Breathtaking!
An advanced copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
An advanced copy of this book was provided for an honest review.
What dreams portend. This novel is so much about dreams and what they meant to this Korean family and how it turned lives around profusely. One becomes vegetarian, one becomes a bit of a sex maniac and one becomes reticent about her whole life.
Very good writing and makes one think about the meaning of dreams.
Very good writing and makes one think about the meaning of dreams.
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
On the one hand, the quality of the writing is phenomenal. The imagery, prose, use of voice, use of weather, and attention to detail are unmatched.
On the other hand... dear god, the misogyny. Yes, I'm aware the writer is a woman. Yes, I'm aware that some readers think that this book is criticizing the misogyny and oppression of Korean culture. Frankly, that's not how it reads to me. Every sentence in the book dripped with the unmistakable conclusion that any woman who makes her own decisions (even in socially appropriate ways) is insane and death-seeking. I walked away from this book angry.
On the one hand, the quality of the writing is phenomenal. The imagery, prose, use of voice, use of weather, and attention to detail are unmatched.
On the other hand... dear god, the misogyny. Yes, I'm aware the writer is a woman. Yes, I'm aware that some readers think that this book is criticizing the misogyny and oppression of Korean culture. Frankly, that's not how it reads to me. Every sentence in the book dripped with the unmistakable conclusion that any woman who makes her own decisions (even in socially appropriate ways) is insane and death-seeking. I walked away from this book angry.
