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Diane Barnes's Reviews > Winter in Sokcho
Winter in Sokcho
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This is a very layered novelette that can be interpreted in different ways, but has to be read underneath the words on the page, if that makes any sense. One sentence can have 2 or 3 different meanings, depending on the reader. Beautifully written, but takes some work. It may take me a while to understand the ending, or maybe never.
I haven't seen any other reviewers mention the fact that our unnamed heroine has a real problem with body image and food. She cooks but doesn't eat, is excessively thin, binges and vomits and feels shame when she can't control herself. She's emotionally distant from others and likes it that way. Until the artist books a room in the guest house where she works, and she starts to feel......what?
An unusual book, and impossible to categorize.
I haven't seen any other reviewers mention the fact that our unnamed heroine has a real problem with body image and food. She cooks but doesn't eat, is excessively thin, binges and vomits and feels shame when she can't control herself. She's emotionally distant from others and likes it that way. Until the artist books a room in the guest house where she works, and she starts to feel......what?
An unusual book, and impossible to categorize.
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Reading Progress
June 22, 2021
–
Started Reading
June 22, 2021
– Shelved as:
to-read
June 22, 2021
– Shelved
June 23, 2021
– Shelved as:
odd-little-books
June 23, 2021
–
Finished Reading
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Ebba Simone
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rated it 5 stars
Jun 23, 2021 12:51PM
Diane, thanks for introducing this unusual book. I like your instruction to read underneath the words on the page. Interesting! Ebba
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Hmmm - not sure if it’s for me, but definitely sounds intriguing!
I needed something different Angela, and it was certainly that. Ebba, it takes a few pages to get used to, then you wonder what every sentence really means.
Well, I always enjoy something a little different, Diane. And I've just a minute ago seen Elyse's review, and now yours. I think it's a sign for me to add this ;) Terrific review!
Our GR community just continues to goad us on, doesn't it?
Definitely need something different now and then !
intriguing review Diane - sounds like one to ponder!!
Ponder is the right word Mark.
I like the sound of this. Thanks, Diane.
I hope you read it Teresa. I would love to discuss this ending.
Diane wrote: "I needed something different Angela, and it was certainly that. Ebba, it takes a few pages to get used to, then you wonder what every sentence really means."Diane, I will wrap up my current reading of 2 novels and then I will read this. It sounds super interesting! I found a French copy but I will review it in English. :) I'm excited. Ebba
I can't wait to see how you perceive this Ebba.
Oh, Diane! The writing is exquisite! I am blown away. I need to portion this/save sth. for later... like very good chocalate. Ebba
Let me know when you finish Ebba.
I will let you know, Diane. :)
Fantastic review, Diane. Sounds intriguing, adding it, thanks :)
Intriguing is a perfect word for it.
Diane, oh my, I have finished this novelette. This is multilayered alright. I feel all sorts of emotions. What an exceptional read. I would like to talk to you about the ending. Ebba
I just added it, per Ebba's suggestion, and you've done nothing but inspired me further, Diane!
It is an unusual book Julie, and I still haven't decided about the ending.
Diane, I was just reading Ebba's review which was so lovely and it made me want to re-read yours, and to say 'hi'...and to say I still haven't decided about the ending either!
You are the one who alerted me to this one Lark. I do love these odd little books that make you read closely and are hard to fit into a category. Yes, Ebba's review was lovely.
happy to see a review mentioning the body image part of the book! I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination because the narrative doesn't linger on it at all beyond one comment by the aunt.
I thought that was strange too, Seashelly, but apparently that's not so uncommon in Korea, as the author mentioned other girls having surgery to change their looks.
What WAS the ending? Was she trying to kill him with improperly cooked blowfish?
I have no idea Jim. I'm still trying to figure it out.
Diane wrote: "I have no idea Jim. I'm still trying to figure it out."Another GR friend sent me an email and was wondering whether the woman had prepared that blowfish dish intending to kill both herself and Kerrand with it. I wonder if Dusapin revealed her intent as the author regarding the ending.
I thought she had one novel in the works...it looks like she has two: Vladivostok Circus (2020, French language) & The Pachinko Parlour (2018, to be released in August in English language).
I'll give both those novels a look when they're available in English. Thanks.
Now I've read this one I know exactly what you're banging on about Diane - YES!! The whole body image/body dysphoria thing comes through doesn't it? I think our narrator's mum as a bit to do with that, but also society perhaps? Great review!
And that obsession everyone has about plastic surgery. Weird book, but I enjoyed it even though it took some work.
Diane, your last sentence says it all. 😂
Did you read this one Pedro?
Never mind, I just read your review. Still unusual and impossible to categorize, and I never did decide exactly what happened in the end.
Me too. Very weird ending. Your review is spot on.
