Author: Choi In-hun
Translated by: Shi Chung Park Moore, Stephen Moore
Publisher: Homa + Sekey, 2002
Link to online store *
Reflections on a Mask explores the disillusionment and search for identity of a young man in the post-Korean War era. A war veteran and writer, Min finds his life unfulfilled until he stumbles upon a mysterious organization that offers a procedure to aid in his search for his true nature. In the resultant hypnotic journey to a mythical Indian kingdom, Min pursues a warrior princess, whose “mask” he must take as his own.
Christmas Carol uses the themes of hope and salvation to examine relationships within a patriarchal Korean family, with clashes among traditional and modern values, including Western religion, as a backdrop. Three vignettes provide provocative, at times humorous, insights on the bond between father and son; two episodes explore the hollowness of religious sanctity during the post-war curfew.
LKL says:
If anyone can help me out as to what on earth these two novellas are about do please let me know. Meanwhile, casual readers should steer well clear.
LKL rating: 
. Read our review of this book here.
Entry on Goodreads.com here.
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