Author: Hwang Sunwoo, Kim Hana
Translated by: Gene Png
Publisher: Doubleday, 2026
Original title: 여자 둘이 살고 있습니다, 2024
Link to online store *
At some point between living alone and becoming single, Hwang Sunwoo and Kim Hana found each other, and decided to live together in a nice apartment where their four cats would finally have the freedom to run around. Together they became a family – and redefined it.
At a time housing costs have skyrocketed whilst the birth rates plummets, these two independent Korean women in their late forties share their views on society and its expectations of them. And, intent neither to marry or to live alone, they reflect on the comfort of their cohabiting friendship as it blossoms into a life full of joy and meaning.
From housing insecurity and access to health care, to solo dining and stigmatised cat ladies, the loaded, self-sacrificing demands of filial piety and obligations to in-laws, Two Women Living Together impugns social scripts by spelling them out plainly. But also, and especially, by showing what it’s like to choose differently.
Quietly radical, full of warmth and wit, Two Women Living Together celebrates carving out your own path, cats, female friendship, and a different kind of family.
Source: Amazon
LKL says:
I really enjoyed reading this book, which comprises very brief chapters alternating between the viewpoints of each of the two professional single women who decide to become flatmates with each other. It’s simple, honest and straightforward. In the last few pages it loses momentum a little, but otherwise this is perfect bedtime reading which may well delay the moment when you turn out the lights.
LKL rating: 
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* Where the book is available from a number of sources, they are prioritised as follows: (1) Amazon UK site, or Bookshop.org for the more recent uploads (2) Amazon US site (3) Other sites in US or Europe, including second-hand outlets (4) LTI Korea, where the title is advertised as available from there (5) Onlines stores in Korea. Links to Bookshop.org and Amazon UK site contain an affiliate code which, should you make a purchase, gives a small commission to LKL at no additional cost to you.