A list of Korean Authors and books for your Quarantine Routine
So it’s been weeks since we have left our houses, and yes it feels like a century already. Hair remains unwashed, sweatpants glued, nails unkept and days of going out long forgotten. Since we are all trying to forge new routines and discover new hobbies during this difficult time, we have created a list of amazing books by Korean Authors to help you diversify your reading lists.
Un-Su Kim- “The Plotters”
Un Su Kim is a Busan based author who shook up the literary world with his surrealist novel ‘The Plotters’. “The plotters” is a fascinating crime thriller written with flair and wit. It is an irresistible page turner spiced with dark humour. It will guide you through Busan underworld with literary authenticity and giggles.
Who will enjoy this book most? Crime thriller fans, Dark Humour enthusiast, Surrealist, Secret Detectives, Fans of the Absurd, Modernists.
Kyung-Sook Shin- “ Please look after mom”
Kyung-Sook Shin is a Korean writer who started her career on the electric plant and then went on to become the first women in Korea to win Man Asian Literary Prize. Her book ‘Please look after mom’ hit the soft spot for millions of people world-wide. It is a story about a mother that gets lost in Seoul metro station and children who embark on a journey to re-discover their mother both physically and metaphorically. It is a moving story which will almost certainly bring you to tears.
Who will enjoy this book most? Little philosophers, Family Drama Lovers, Romantics, Existential Crisis Suffers, Poetic Souls.
Hwang Sok-Yong – “The Old Garden”
Hwang Sok-Yong has led an interesting life, he has been a political prisoner a cigarette factory worker and a marine in Vietnam War. Number of traumatic experiences throughout his life has informed and shaped his incredibly touching work. “The Old Garden” is one of the most autobiographical stories, detailing his return to Korea. It is a gripping story set against historical backdrop about persisting faith in ones country and ideals.
Who will enjoy this book most? History Buffs, Geo-Politics Nerds, Romantics, Realists, Existential Crisis Sufferers.
Younghill Kang- “East Goes West”
Younghill King fled Korea in 1921 due to his anti-Japanese and pro-independence activism. “East Goes West” draws on experience of assimilation and follows a journey of a young man not unlike Younghill Kang himself who finds himself in New York with 5 dollars and suitcase full of dreams. The book is excellent commentary on immigration, assimilation and a satirical take on society.
Who will enjoy this most? Realists, Immigrant Folks, History Buffs, Romantics, Philosophers, Anthropologists, Classics followers.
Han Kang- “The White Book” and “The Vegetarian”
Han Kang is an award winning contemporary Korean writer with reputation for original and authentic work written through female perspective. “The White Book” is a lyrical mediation on grief and tragedy. “The Vegetarian” is a powerful exploration of social rebellion against transfixed societal norms. Han Kang writes with subtlety through lens that is entirely original.
Who will enjoy this modest? Modernists, Poetic souls, Philosophers, Anthropologist, Literary thrill seekers, Society Critics.
Sun-Mi Hwang- “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly”
Hwang Sun-Mi is probably the original ‘Matilda’. Sun-Mi Hwan family lived in dire poverty, so she was unable to attend school during a daytime. A kind teacher in nearby school granted her a key to the classroom so she could come in at nights and read as much as she wanted. As a result, Sun Mi Hwang ended up not only graduating from university but also becoming a professor and author of internationally acclaimed books. “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly” became an instant classic in Korea, the story is told through a perspective of a hen in the animal farm longing to escape from the farm and the ability lay her eggs freely. It is an anthem to freedom and independence.
Who will enjoy this most? Political Buffs, Philosophers, Absurd lovers, Modernist, Social Critics, Anthropologists.
So here you go, indulge in little literary pleasures and let us know your favourite Korean Author and Book. Keep Calm and Carry On Reading!
Author: Egle Poceviciute