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A review by semi
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
challenging
dark
emotional
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
this is not a quick, cute read like at all. please read the trigger warnings before picking this up.
this was a painful kaleidoscope of self-loathing, complicated sister dynamics, eating disorders, being Korean-American, immigrant parents, grief, family bonds, and coming to terms with oneself. the characters are not likable, but that didn’t ruin my reading experience tbh but i can see why it would deter people away from the book. you also gotta stick with the details. what may feel like random side comments connect at the end to create a more hopeful, tender conclusion to this novel.
this was a painful kaleidoscope of self-loathing, complicated sister dynamics, eating disorders, being Korean-American, immigrant parents, grief, family bonds, and coming to terms with oneself. the characters are not likable, but that didn’t ruin my reading experience tbh but i can see why it would deter people away from the book. you also gotta stick with the details. what may feel like random side comments connect at the end to create a more hopeful, tender conclusion to this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Moderate: Infertility, Racism, and Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming