Written with a multi-generational theme, Whale was told in fairytale-like narrative with historical backdrop set in both pre and post Korean War. Started with the post-prison days of Chunhui, I was brought to unfold the past of an ambitious Geumbok; Chunhui’s mother who was known to build a fortune with her persistence and business minded character in the rural Pyeongdae after years of misfortunes from her past lives as a mistress to a man with the scar and a ‘monster’ dockworker husband.

It was plotted with a reflection of culture and deeply highlighted on domestic conflicts and drama; of one’s identity (societal expectations, genderbend, psychological related), morality, desire and hardship with an insightful perspective of social and politics that intriguingly grasped a cinematic rise and fall of a village and its people. I love the characterization the most esp the characters’ exposition and their execution (even for secondaries)— cunningly flawed, unreliable yet so addictively explored. Not really fond with the one-eyed woman character but I do find the old crone’s story that enthralling much for her wicked personality (even after death!).

Love-hate for the plot execution and progress esp with Geumbok’s narrative; perhaps the way it was structured with short back and forth subchapters and alternating timelines/perspectives felt a bit detached(?) to me. The magical and surreal attributes to the setting can be enticing, love Chunhui’s narrative the most for this (although that part 3 left me with a heart-rending epilogues). That whale related metaphor and architectural parts were absorbing— it fascinates me to see how those twist of fates passed by through Chunhui’s eyes.

I enjoyed the read although I don’t find it memorable much for a literary fic, a great catch nevertheless as the plot was not really that heavy or hard to grasp; an epic journey for the theme if you’re into a profound and dark slice-of-life story. Congrats to be longlisted in the International Booker 2023, Whale!

Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy to review!