emilianordland's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
youthfulexpression's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nixxer's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Rape, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Torture, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, and Violence
othersociologist's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Ableism, and Rape
caitsidhe's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
very good. I feel like I miss a lot of the humour because I'm not Korean, but I can tell its there. I do love these 'interconnected people over multiple generations live life and experience strange things' kind of narratives.
fraserrobinson's review against another edition
Just didn't really meld with the writing style . I just don't get the hype , wanted to love it but just couldn't
victoriafrombookclub's review against another edition
2.0
Oh gosh... I liked it enough to finish... But it's messy. Do I like it? Do I hate it? Would I recommend? I wouldn't say don't read it, but also if you can't get into it, it's okay to just put it down.
nabilahs's review against another edition
4.0
Whale is a South Korean adventure satire with a magical realism setting; a talking elephant, a ghost who seeking revenge, gender morph, yes, the gender morph was mind-bending.
A family saga of three women; Geumbok, Chunhui, a one-eyed lady. The story mainly focuses on Geumbok from she was small until she moved to Pyeongdae with her daughter, Chunhui. Geumbok was a smart lady, especially in business but I have this love-hate relationship with Geumbok. Chunhui a mute kid, who is close to Mun. Mun was once Geumbok's lover who took care of Chunhui just like his own daughter.
With the simple narrative of magical realism, the author managed to execute the character's development brilliantly. Despite being satire, the gender violence, modern issues are masterfully crafted during the pre and post Korean War.
A family saga of three women; Geumbok, Chunhui, a one-eyed lady. The story mainly focuses on Geumbok from she was small until she moved to Pyeongdae with her daughter, Chunhui. Geumbok was a smart lady, especially in business but I have this love-hate relationship with Geumbok. Chunhui a mute kid, who is close to Mun. Mun was once Geumbok's lover who took care of Chunhui just like his own daughter.
With the simple narrative of magical realism, the author managed to execute the character's development brilliantly. Despite being satire, the gender violence, modern issues are masterfully crafted during the pre and post Korean War.
seethinglloron's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Meandering. At times I was enthralled by the style, and at times the style felt detrimental to the story. Felt like something I would read in a class. A multi-generational epic ala Cien Años, but nowhere near as compelling.
andalicesays's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0