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httpspuppy's review against another edition
4.0
i also wanna shout out the romanian translator, Iolanda Prodan, great work.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Grief
augustst's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Chronic illness, Homophobia, and Mental illness
Minor: Alcohol
nenya's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
gauriraut's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Abortion, and Suicide attempt
angelo_vossen's review against another edition
- 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
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.
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
shugentobler's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Suicide attempt
heir_of_regulus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Graphic: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Mental illness, and Medical trauma
Minor: Cancer and Xenophobia
amberinpieces's review
- 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
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Abortion, and Injury/Injury detail
theliteraryteapot's review
- Strong character development? No
3.5
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.
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity, Blood, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Suicide and Murder
matoju's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cancer, Mental illness, and Sexual content