(Archipelago, 2005) Translated by Yu Young-nan. First published in Korean in 1931 as 삼 대 and revised in 1948. Chronicles the lives of an extended wealthy family in Japanese-occupied Seoul. The old order gradually fades, the vultures descend for the pickings, while an underground of nationalists and socialists struggle to make a difference. Recommended. Available … [Read More]
Category: Translated Korean literature (page 23)
Lee Seung-u: The Reverse Side of Life
Peter Owen, 2005, 208pp Translated by Kong Yoo-jung Originally published as 생의 이면, Seoul, 1992 A partly autobiographical novel exploring the life story of a prominent Korean writer growing up in the second half of the twentieth century. [Read More]
Yi Chong-jun: Your paradise
A puzzling story about the struggles of successive managers of a leper colony to improve the lot of the lepers. I think the Complete Review shares my puzzlement. One of the best-selling novels of 20th Century Korean literature, originally published in 1976. Yi Chong-jun: Your paradise. (Green Integer, 2004) Translated by Jennifer Lee, Timothy R. … [Read More]
Yi Mun-yol: the Poet
A novel based on the life of a 19th century poet, Kim Sakkat, exploring his development as an artist against the backdrop of the insurrection by Hong Kyong-rae in the north-west. I was reminded of this book when watching the Im Kwon-taek film Chihwaseon because of its storyline of a wandering artist. See also review … [Read More]
Hwang Sok-yong reads from his novel ‘The Guest’
Hwang Sok-yong reads from his novel ‘The Guest’ 14 December 2005, 5pm – 7pm SOAS Kalili Lecture Theatre To celebrate the publication of his novel The Guest by Seven Stories Press, Hwang Sok-yong will be reading from the novel and answering questions at SOAS. [Read More]