ŷ������

As will be obvious from the star rating, this did not work for me. The novel has had much greater success with most readers. I found it just okay.

I have nothing but praise for Kang's decision to grapple with the difficult and important subject matter: wartime violence, genocide, cultural destruction, generational trauma, open-ended family loss. Nor will I criticize a Nobel prize-winner's individual style. However, this application of a hazy, poetic narrative to harrowing themes was enervating rather than stimulating.

Truth be told, I was bored much of the time. And the author herself gives voice to my feelings toward the end of the book:

I don't want to open it... No one can force me to wade through those pages. I am under no obligation to comply. But my trembling hands reach out and open the book. I turn page after page.

Snow. Birds. Trees. Snow. Blood. Birds. Trees. Snow.

2.5 stars