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Familiar Things
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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,704 ratings, 211 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Familiar Things
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Familiar Things
Vibrant and enchanting, Familiar Things depicts a society on the edge of dizzying economic and social change, and is a haunting reminder to us all to be careful of what we throw away.
Vibrant and enchanting, Familiar Things depicts a society on the edge of dizzying economic and social change, and is a haunting reminder to us all to be careful of what we throw away.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Seoul. On the outskirts of South Korea's glittering metropolis is a place few people know about—a vast landfill site called Flower Island. Populated by those driven from the city by poverty, it is here that 14-year-old Bugeye and his mother arrive, following his father's internment in a 're-education camp'.
As Bugeye and his mother settle into living among the strange folk of Flower Island, they build themselves a shack and begin earning a living by weeding recyclables out of the vast piles of refuse brought in daily from the city. But then Bugeye begins to notice mysterious lights around the landfill at night—and as spring comes to the garbage mountain, a danger that has lain dormant begins to surface.
Vibrant and enchanting, Familiar Things depicts a society on the edge of dizzying economic and social change, and is a haunting reminder to us all to be careful of what we throw away.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Familiar Things by Hwang Sok-Yong is lauded for its powerful examination of capitalism and modernisation's impact in South Korea. Critics praise its vivid depiction of a society too quick to discard people and possessions, blending gritty realism with folktale elements. The novel's exploration of political and social realities, imbued with empathy and rage against the powerful, resonates universally while highlighting Korea's culture and history. The narrative's poignant exploration of decay and regeneration, alongside heartwarming relationships, leaves a lasting emotional impression.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781925322019
Publisher: Scribe Publications
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 15 May 2017
Country: Australia
Imprint: Scribe Publications
Contributors:
- Translated by Sora Kim-Russell
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 21.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 228g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Hwang Sok-yong was born in 1943 and is arguably Korea's most renowned author. In 1993, he was sentenced to seven years in prison for an unauthorized trip to the North to promote exchange between artists in North and South Korea. Five years later, he was released on a special pardon by the new president. The recipient of Korea's highest literary prizes and shortlisted for the Prix Femina Etranger, his novels and shorts stories are published in North and South Korea, Japan, China, France, Germany, and the United States. Previous novels include The Ancient Garden, The Story of Mister Han, The Guest, and The Shadow of Arms.
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