Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is the first novel from Korean author Hwang Bo-Reum and was translated by Shanna Tan. I was interested in the book first because I love reading books about books and bookshops. The story centers on Yeongju, who used to be married and have a demanding career in Seoul, but abandons her husband and her job to move to a small residential neighborhood and open a bookshop.
As Yeongju runs her new shop, she explores different ways to bring in new customers and keep the shop open. She makes several new friends along the way, and the bookshop becomes a place for people to gather together. Throughout the novel, we are taken on a journey of self-exploration as each of the characters grows and develops in new ways.
This novel is part of a genre called “healing fiction” that has become a trend in Korean literature. It does not have an action-filled plot, but instead focuses on comfort, empathy, courage, and solidarity. I found it to be both contemplative and encouraging. I am looking forward to reading more of this genre.
In So Many Words 