Reviews with content warning for Chronic illness - Love in the Big City

Reviews tagging 'Chronic illness'

Love in the Big City by Sang Young Park

25 reviews

augustst's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

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angelo_vossen's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-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

4.25

"Love in the Big City" by Sang Young Park is a novel that deftly explores the complexities of modern life, love, and identity in Seoul. The book offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of queer experiences in contemporary South Korea, delivered with a blend of humor, melancholy, and candid introspection.

The narrative is structured in a series of loosely connected episodes, each exploring different facets of the protagonist, Young's life. These vignettes offer glimpses into his relationships, both platonic and romantic, his struggles with familial expectations, and his navigation through the urban landscape of Seoul. The non-linear storytelling adds depth and dimension to the narrative, highlighting the fluidity of life and the interconnectedness of experiences.

Young is a multifaceted character, whose unapologetic honesty and vulnerability make him relatable and compelling. His relationships with others, particularly his best friend Jaehee, his mother, and various lovers, are depicted with nuance and authenticity. These interactions reveal the complexities of love, from deep camaraderie to the pain of unrequited affection, and the tension between societal norms and personal desires.

At its core, the novel explores the search for love and belonging in a rapidly changing, often alienating urban environment. It delves into the challenges of being queer in a conservative society, the pressures of familial expectations, and the fleeting nature of youth. The book also addresses themes of loneliness, identity, and the pursuit of happiness, often with a sharp wit and a touch of melancholy.

Sang Young Park's writing is both poetic and raw, capturing the vibrant yet harsh realities of city life. The prose is laced with humor, even in moments of sadness, offering a refreshing take on serious topics. The author’s keen observations on the absurdities of life and the quirks of human nature lend the narrative a unique voice that is both critical and empathetic.

"Love in the Big City" is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a heartfelt and insightful exploration of love and identity in a modern metropolis. Sang Young Park's honest and engaging storytelling, combined with the novel's richly drawn characters and themes, make it a standout work in contemporary literature. It's a book that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost in the chaos of city life or grappled with the complexities of love and self-discovery.

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amberinpieces's review

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emotional reflective medium-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

3.0

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theliteraryteapot's review

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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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