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bookmarked_by_kate's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Miscarriage
clavishorti's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
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.
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
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Mental illness, Grief, and War
Moderate: Misogyny and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Child death
towardinfinitybooks's review against another edition
Feel very detached and ambivalent about the stories I read so far. They all feel very one note. The narrators in the first two stories play an active role in their storylines, unlike the third narrator who seems to be more of a third party recounting what she was told by her mother, yet everyone sounds the same. I can't tell if this is related to the translation. I did notice that of the three stories I read, the narrators spend a lot of time telling instead of showing - 90% of the time, we are in their thoughts and there is very little that is left to be understood between the lines. Unfortunately, this wasn't for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Suicide and Violence
daniellekat's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, and Mental illness
Minor: War
hkingcrab's review against another edition
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
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol
Mention of the Sewol Ferry tragedy, Vietnam War, depression, overall unwellnesscreatingavery's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Terminal illness, and Grief
icarusandthesun's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
i hate to start the year this way, but it can't be helped.
the book was kinda tiresome? now, some short stories were quite alright and i had high hopes after the first one, shoko's smile. but the stories got worse and worse and by the end i could barely finish the book.
the concepts are good, so i don't really know what put me off so much. perhaps it was the writing, or the pace, i'm not sure.
the book was kinda tiresome? now, some short stories were quite alright and i had high hopes after the first one, shoko's smile. but the stories got worse and worse and by the end i could barely finish the book.
the concepts are good, so i don't really know what put me off so much. perhaps it was the writing, or the pace, i'm not sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Minor: Miscarriage and War
shahana_bookquoting's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Cancer and Death
heatherjay94's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
So much pain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child death, Terminal illness, Torture, and War
Minor: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
garynoplastie's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Violence, and War
Minor: Animal death, Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Vomit, Medical content, Alcohol, and Classism
Boat accident, war related trauma