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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
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 unwellnessheatherjay94'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
my_plant_library's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer and Chronic illness
Minor: Misogyny and Antisemitism
bookaholiz's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A solid collection of short stories that explore some of the heavier themes of Asian women's lives: sexism, generational trauma, mental health, and touch on some political themes such as classes and activism. Every story is human, vulnerable and very, painfully real. There is a generally suffocating atmosphere throughout the entire book, which can be hard to read at times, but you cannot deny how the author understands her characters intimately. The stories are written in first person's point of view, which bring a lot of nuance and introspection to the storytelling, and allow the reader to immerse in the thoughts of the characters. Though I'm not sure if non-Asian people can understand and empathise or if they would find these characters infuriating; for me, I would instantly find myself connect with the themes that are being explored. Keep in mind though, miscommunication is the constant in every story, so it might feel like you are in a loop of unresolved problems - it can be depressing to read at times.
Overall, I am genuinely impressed that the quality of each story is more or less on the same par, which doesn't always happen as short stories collections more often than not have hit and miss. Surprisingly though, the titular story did not stand out with me as much as the others. My favourite is probably Xin chào xin chào, though I'm biased on that front. Hanji and Youngju infuriates me but also is the one that cut the deepest. I would say that some of the themes (even within one story) are better presented than others: some very cleverly follow a "show don't tell" strategy and you have to read between the lines, while some are a bit on the nose which can be rather jarring.
All in all, I would definitely consider this a solid debut for the author.
Overall, I am genuinely impressed that the quality of each story is more or less on the same par, which doesn't always happen as short stories collections more often than not have hit and miss. Surprisingly though, the titular story did not stand out with me as much as the others. My favourite is probably Xin chào xin chào, though I'm biased on that front. Hanji and Youngju infuriates me but also is the one that cut the deepest. I would say that some of the themes (even within one story) are better presented than others: some very cleverly follow a "show don't tell" strategy and you have to read between the lines, while some are a bit on the nose which can be rather jarring.
All in all, I would definitely consider this a solid debut for the author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Mental illness
thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
this is a beautiful collection of short stories, each distinct yet threaded w/ a commonality of bittersweet reflection thats tinged w/ melancholy.
shoko's smile both squeezes and fills my heart w/ its perceptive meditation on life and - perhaps most astonishingly - its mastery in capturing and somehow succinctly articulating all the subtle ways ppl drift from one another, the oft confounding how's and why's relationships - even and esp dear ones - tense, transform, and taper off over time. it's both life's tragedy and happiness that ppl can find so much solace and love in one another, yet nothing can ensure that any of it will endure.
i also admire how choi brings up and explores so many underrepresented and maybe-taboo topics in her stories - esp considering her home country's social and political climates - some of which include korea's own little-known war atrocities abroad; disability; state violence and unjudicial repression; feminism and local rigid age-based social hierarchy; and ofc, the sewol tragedy. and they're all examined thru various types of relationships as well, be it friends, families, lovers, neighbors, those from other cultures, etc.
the book's overall calm, sparse feeling + writing, and melancholic yet a lil hopeful rumination on life strike a chord with(in) me, even reminding me of my lifetime fav kitchen, and this has for sure become another fav, albeit a bittersweet, heartrending one.
shoko's smile both squeezes and fills my heart w/ its perceptive meditation on life and - perhaps most astonishingly - its mastery in capturing and somehow succinctly articulating all the subtle ways ppl drift from one another, the oft confounding how's and why's relationships - even and esp dear ones - tense, transform, and taper off over time. it's both life's tragedy and happiness that ppl can find so much solace and love in one another, yet nothing can ensure that any of it will endure.
i also admire how choi brings up and explores so many underrepresented and maybe-taboo topics in her stories - esp considering her home country's social and political climates - some of which include korea's own little-known war atrocities abroad; disability; state violence and unjudicial repression; feminism and local rigid age-based social hierarchy; and ofc, the sewol tragedy. and they're all examined thru various types of relationships as well, be it friends, families, lovers, neighbors, those from other cultures, etc.
the book's overall calm, sparse feeling + writing, and melancholic yet a lil hopeful rumination on life strike a chord with(in) me, even reminding me of my lifetime fav kitchen, and this has for sure become another fav, albeit a bittersweet, heartrending one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Cancer, Sexism, Terminal illness, and War
Minor: Child death, Death, Racism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, and Toxic friendship
lucykateburns's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Minor: Ableism, Xenophobia, and War