Reviews with content warning for Abortion - Kärlek i Seoul

Definitely an intriguing cast of characters, but the non-linear storytelling sometimes confused me. I wonder how much of that is affected by being a translation. Perhaps in the original Korean, it's more clear what "time" a certain passage is in.
Either way, it made for an interesting story, though.

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theliteraryteapot's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? No

3.5

For some reason I thought this book was auto-fiction until I read the author's interview.
The novel is divided into four stories. I didn't like the first one, didn't care about the characters nor the whole constantly drinking, partying and having sex cycle. But the three other stories were interesting and finally dived deeper into characters emotions and thoughts. I liked how the story was told as well (the 2nd pers. was used at times). And, as said in the author's interview and the translator's note, this is about the queer experience, and it's South Korean queer representation which is important. I'm glad I read the book.

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kaneebli's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

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addimop's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Took my longer to read than I expected, but once i focused it was a beautiful read on the queer experience (although i think it really extends to the human experience). this book is a non-chronological exploration of the most important relationships in Young’s life, friends, parents, and romantic partners. Young’s flaws are fairly evident from the get go and in my opinion not much development happened; although more context is revealed that perhaps explains some of his character traits.

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baielleebooks's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective 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

3.25

A book that captures love in all its alluringly sensory details, in its transient moments and how it can aid in chipping away at the emotional tensions of even the most pessimistic individuals, like the book's central protagonist Young. While I can't say the plot hugely gripped me, I have admiration for the textual detail of the book, and the translator's afterword beautifully affirms that appreciation.

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lauraghise's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

you need to paste the first chapter, but absolutely loved it!
Would like to read it again? Probably

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mistyyyy's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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