Reviews with content warning for Death - Shoko's Smile: Stories

Shoko's Smile is a compilation of seven poignant short stories by Choi Eun-young, offering a profound exploration of South Korea's history and politics through the lens of its women and their intricate relationships. These stories traverse a spectrum of cultural contexts and significant moments in Korean history, including the deeply poignant Sewol ferry tragedy, societal uprisings, the mysterious handling of those suspected as North Korean agents in the South, and the Vietnam War. At its core, the stories revolve around the profound losses suffered due to time, mortality, and for reasons that often elude complete comprehension. What sets this book apart is not only its diverse array of characters but also the rich tapestry of settings that grace its pages, a delightful and much-welcomed surprise. Moreover, it evokes a myriad of emotions, seamlessly weaving a poignant sense of nostalgia with an undercurrent of profound sorrow, leaving readers yearning to hold their loved ones close.

The choice of the first story, "Shoko's Smile," as the eponymous centerpiece is a masterstroke. Personally, I found this narrative deeply resonant, and it's no wonder it takes center stage. It beautifully unravels the connection between Soyu and Shoko, Japanese high school students whose paths serendipitously converge during a student exchange program in Korea. The narrative deftly navigates the terrain of mental health, imparting a crucial lesson: appearances can be deceiving, and one must exercise caution before passing judgment. It also serves as a poignant reminder to cultivate gratitude for our own lives, for what may seem inferior to others may hide a deeper, unseen pain. I was profoundly moved and saddened by this story, affirming the aptness of "Shoko's Smile" as the opening gem of this collection.

The second story, "Xin Chào, Xin Chào," unfurls around two families tightly bound by the threads of kinship, despite their disparate Korean and Vietnamese backgrounds. It casts a piercing light on history, particularly the shadows of conflict that marred Vietnam. The narrative delves into the lingering scars of trauma, questioning the true intent behind warfare. Is it a pursuit of collective well-being, or merely a scramble for seats of power fueled by greed? More often than not, it's the innocent civilians who bear the brunt of these conflicts, prompting reflection on whose well-being is genuinely at stake.

"Sister, My Little Soonae" immerses us in the intricate tapestry of sisterhood, skillfully woven with prominent political motifs. This narrative chronicles the poignant lives of two siblings, their connection strained by the pervasive injustices of society. Despite their fervent longing to embrace each other, an unrelenting pain stands sentinel, keeping them at a heart-wrenching distance. The ache of their unfulfilled yearning is palpable, painting a vivid portrait of the complexities that bind and yet separate them.

The fourth story, "Hanji and Youngju," navigates the ambiguous ties between Youngju and Hanji, a Kenyan youth, both volunteers at a monastery in France. It grapples with the weighty choices and responsibilities that stretch across years of one's life. The author deftly tugs at the reader's emotions, depicting the slow blossoming of friendship into a love that transcends stark social and cultural divides. One is a young Korean woman on a quest for self-discovery and purpose, while the other is a Nairobi man shouldering familial expectations.

"A Song From Afar" whisks the reader away to Russia, where the narrator embarks on a quest to find a woman dear to them, a few years their senior from the same university. The narrative also provides a backdrop of student bands and alumni organizations, shedding light on the underestimation of women in society. It also underscores the profound impact certain individuals can have on our journey towards becoming better versions of ourselves.

"Michaela" revolves around the momentous visit of the Pope to Seoul in 2014, casting a spotlight on the intersections of faith and history. As the event draws near, Michaela's mother embarks on a journey to Seoul, opting to convey to her daughter that she'll be staying with a friend—though in truth, she yearns to be extended an invitation, rather than explicitly asked. This subtle dance of familial dynamics and personal convictions unfurls a rich tapestry of complexity. The narrative ventures further into Michaela's family, introducing us to her father, a fervent political activist whose ideals and actions shape their household. Amidst these layers, the narrative also touches upon the devastating Sewol ferry tragedy, a haunting backdrop against which the family's story unfolds.

The final tale, "The Secret," celebrates the priceless bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. It harbors a hidden twist, one that might be deduced by Korean readers, but remains veiled within the story itself, only revealed in the translator's closing remarks. This story, in my view, resonates with a profound sense of melancholy.

In summation, Choi Eun-young's Shoko's Smile weaves a tapestry of stories that serve as windows into the intricate interplay of history, politics, and human connections in South Korea. Through diverse characters, Eun-young deftly unravels themes of loss, trauma, and the unexpected power of bonds forged amidst adversity. These narratives resonate deeply, serving as poignant reminders of the often unseen struggles that shape our existence. With its evocative prose and keen observations, this collection stands as a testament to the author's ability to touch the core of human experience. Shoko's Smile transcends mere literature; it is an emotional odyssey that lingers, leaving readers moved and contemplative long after the final page is turned.

Content Warnings

daniellekat's review against another edition

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reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

The writing was somewhat plain for me but the stories were good. I generally liked them all, with the last three really standing out as favourites ("The Secret" nearly made me cry). My least favourite was "Hanji and Youngju". It was too long and the characters were unlikable and boring. Overall this was a solid collection and worth the read.

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cwg's review against another edition

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emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wonderful series of short stories—love them all, although “Shoko’s Smile” and “Hanji and Youngju” particularly touched me. I’m sure I would’ve taken away with more insight had I known more about Korea (including the Sinking of MV Sewol), especially within the stories which directly tackle those events, but the sentiments in each story are universal. Connecting every story is its expression of the human experience — love, hate, fear.

Eunyoung’s prose is…how do I say, distant yet expressive. There are moments where aren’t explained; people simply do. Other moments include narrated rationale, used to explain their or other characters’ feelings. Both imbue characters across all stories a dash of personality, leaving you understanding, if not empathetic, of their various plights.

I would recommend this book. They aren’t necessarily “happy” stories, but rather realistic. The prose was pleasant to read, and I found myself relaxed and simultaneously invested while reading.

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hkingcrab's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

I'm not great at articulating thoughts, or especially my feelings into words, but I honestly didn't have to; in so many unexpected ways, this book articulated them for me. I think this is my favourite short story collection, if not my favourite novel ever. It's hard (again) to express how MUCH THIS BOOK MEANS to me as a half-korean person and feminine-presenting person. Choi Eunyoung작가님 put so much human into these stories across ages and experiences. Somehow EVERY SINGLE ONE hit harder than the story before. She captures loss and grief so well. I won't go into detail regarding the story plots, but she speaks on very loaded topics (please read content warnings). The translator also did an Amazing job capturing the poetry of Choi Eunyoung's writing. I will be rereading and rereading this for many days to come.

Content Warnings