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courto875's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Mental illness, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Kidnapping
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Abortion, and Abandonment
clavishorti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The opening story, "Diary of a Murderer," chronicles the journey of Kim Byeongsu, a former serial killer grappling with Alzheimer's disease. This story will bring you into his mind as he faces various problems, including the firm decision to carry out one final act of murder in order to protect his daughter, Kim Eun Hee. Written in a unique diary-style narrative, the story cleverly weaves dark humor and poetic elements, delivering a suspenseful and immersive reading experience.
In "The Origin of Life," the author explores the relentless pursuit for a sense of belonging amidst the perpetual transience of living conditions since childhood. The central character, Seojin, experiences a profound yearning for a true 'origin' to return to, adding depth to the thematic complexity. Emotionally connected to a girl named Ina, Seojin's relationship with her offers profound insights into the intricacies of human connections and bonds. In Seojin's eyes, Ina represents the epitome of his source of origin, resulting in a deeply intricate connection. The story takes an unexpected shift in its storytelling approach, which may momentarily puzzle readers, including myself. Nevertheless, as the plot unfolds, the story gains momentum, delivering a fast-paced and captivating reading experience.
The third story, "Missing Child," movingly depicts the heart-wrenching journey of Yunseok and Mira as they desperately search for their lost child. Similar to the preceding stories, this plot exhibits a comparable level of complexity. Themes of loss and mental well-being, particularly depression, enrich its emotional depth, eliciting strong empathetic responses from readers. The author adeptly intertwines these elements, crafting a resonant and thought-provoking reading experience.
Wrapping up the anthology is "The Writer," a story centered around a writer facing personal hurdles and experiencing a creative slump while working on a new novel for publication. Through the character Bak Mansu, this story offers insight into a writer's inner musings and thought processes. I found myself thoroughly captivated by the plot, as it proved to be a compelling and enthralling read. Diverging from the preceding three stories, "The Writer" includes explicit erotic scenes and delves into candid discussions about sexual matters.
In conclusion, Diary of a Murderer: And Other Stories is a captivating anthology, skillfully translated by Krys Lee to preserve the stories' distinctive allure without sacrificing accessibility. "Diary of a Murderer" rightfully takes its place as a standout centerpiece, solidifying its position as the title story. With its masterful deployment of plot twists and surprises, the anthology offers a captivating and emotionally resonant literary journey, making it a valuable and worthwhile addition to any reader's bookshelf.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Dementia, Car accident, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, and Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
sas_ram's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Dementia, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Child death
muddleufflwe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Dementia, Death of parent, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Cursing, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, and Stalking
Minor: Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
Lots of triggers so be cautious when reading in case you have any of those <3 stay safeareaderheart's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Mental illness
lyricalreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really found the explorations of family incredibly fascinating and also the characters’ relationships to one another. Kim constantly drives the readers and the characters to dig into these familial relationships and question further.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, and Murder