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A review by nadiamasood
Can't I Go Instead by Lee Geum-yi
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Picked this book up to buddy-read with a friend. I went into it blind, with no expectations or prior knowledge about what the story was about.
This is an immersive, epic saga-style narrative about sacrifice, strength, and survival. For the first 100 pages or so, the story felt slow at times, with prolonged stretches where not much transpired, but it picks up pace and so many things begin happening to our characters left and right! Although I must say that I enjoyed even the slow parts.
My only issue is that since the story spans four decades, the last few chapters, and especially the ending, felt rushed.
The parts about the horrors of war and comfort women were difficult for me to read, but otherwise I was thoroughly invested in learning about the life and fate of these two complex women - there were times when I hated them, and then a few pages later I would symphatise with them and feel like I understood the choices they made.
I suggest reading a physical/ebook instead of audiobook because many names, foreign places, and the numerous events that take place may get confusing. Also those who listened to audiobooks say the narration felt slow and that it was difficult to keep track of the names and events.
This book is sad and intense, but the story is an important one to tell. Recommended to those who love historical fiction.
This is an immersive, epic saga-style narrative about sacrifice, strength, and survival. For the first 100 pages or so, the story felt slow at times, with prolonged stretches where not much transpired, but it picks up pace and so many things begin happening to our characters left and right! Although I must say that I enjoyed even the slow parts.
My only issue is that since the story spans four decades, the last few chapters, and especially the ending, felt rushed.
The parts about the horrors of war and comfort women were difficult for me to read, but otherwise I was thoroughly invested in learning about the life and fate of these two complex women - there were times when I hated them, and then a few pages later I would symphatise with them and feel like I understood the choices they made.
I suggest reading a physical/ebook instead of audiobook because many names, foreign places, and the numerous events that take place may get confusing. Also those who listened to audiobooks say the narration felt slow and that it was difficult to keep track of the names and events.
This book is sad and intense, but the story is an important one to tell. Recommended to those who love historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicide, Trafficking, Grief, and War
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Rape