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httpspuppy's review against another edition
4.0
i think if i were to read this another time id have gave it more, but it took me a while to finish, due to the topics, however the story flows nicely. i wish we had more of Young and Jae-hee, i loved their banter and bond, they felt natural and comfy.
i also wanna shout out the romanian translator, Iolanda Prodan, great work.
i also wanna shout out the romanian translator, Iolanda Prodan, great work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Grief
loveletters_7's review
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Homophobia
alisarae's review against another edition
emotional
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
Did I read the same book as everyone else? My ebook was only 150 pages and there were at least big scenes that were in 2 different chapters and written slightly differently, as if they were different drafts of the same scene (the Thailand guesthouse shower and the La Lobo bubble bath). I also didn't like the translation because it seemed like it expected the reader to have watched a lot of k dramas and be familiar with relationship words in Korean, and it left those words untranslated. I do not watch k dramas and I didn't have access to the internet when I was reading so it was more of a nuisance. Plus the story is pretty melodramatic and a downer. I'm honestly surprised it made the Booker longlist -- really?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Homophobia, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
sdloomer's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Homophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Abortion, and Suicide attempt
augustst's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, and Mental illness
Minor: Alcohol
nenya's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.0
This book was not quite what I had expected - i read it because of a recommendation and was told it would be all about these two best friends living their chaotic, broke and impulsive college live. Abd while that did happen and very much lived up to expectation, it only filled up the first couple chapters. After that, the best friend was rarely, if ever, mentioned. I don’t think it would‘ve bothered me as much if I didn‘t have such a set expectation for this book. However, I loved the best friend as a character and would‘ve lived to read more about her or even from her perspective.
Nevertheless, this was a really great book and despite not having the most gripping plot, the writing style really carried it through for me. It also felt like a true retelling of someone‘s life instead of a novel.
Nevertheless, this was a really great book and despite not having the most gripping plot, the writing style really carried it through for me. It also felt like a true retelling of someone‘s life instead of a novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
gauriraut's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Abortion, and Suicide attempt
haaannahr's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
for most of it, i found the main character kind of annoying but the last few pages were really sweet, i nearly welled up
i think i read this at the wrong time
i think i read this at the wrong time
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Terminal illness
sahla's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Infidelity
angelo_vossen's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming, Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, and Outing