Author: Park Duk-kyu
Translated by: Brother Anthony of Taizé
Publisher: Homa + Sekey, 2019
Link to online store *
The Korean classical novel Rabbit’s Tale (kor. Toggijeon) tells the story of a Dragon King who falls ill, and learns that only the special properties found in a rabbit’s liver can make him well again. He sends a terrapin ashore to find the rabbit and trick him into coming to the Dragon Palace. The rabbit outwits the Dragon King and narrowly escapes death. The Rabbit’s Tale 2020 is a full-length novel based on the classical tale, but reworked to be enjoyed as a contemporary story. Master Rabbit, like the Eastern sage Confucius, wanders from kingdom to kingdom preaching his political philosophy. The young Terrapin Apothecary, simple-hearted but wise, is at first the rabbit’s adversary, but the two later become comrades. The story also highlights a love affair between Master Rabbit and the Dragon Queen.
LKL says:
I wish I could give a more enthusiastic welcome to this interesting project to update a traditional tale, but for me the political dialogues take the fun out of the enterprise.
LKL rating: 
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