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A review by themoonwholistens
The Forest of Stolen Girls by June Hur
4.0
This really was just (in the most beautiful way) about sisters reconnecting through their experience of searching for their lost father in Joseon Era Korea. And I loved it for that.
It was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming read and the kind of YA mystery-thriller that I actually enjoy. Even though this had topics of death (please check trigger warnings at the bottom) it didn’t feel heavy on the heart.
my problem with Silence of Bones was that I was never hooked into the plot nor the characters but it was different since this felt like it had more of a personal touch. I loved the sister relationship and the subtle development throughout the story. It was sweet and built up on itself. You see how these sisters that were separated for so long slowly trust each other again and *that’s the heartwarming part*. There are strong family relationships, most especially sisterly and daughter-father relationships. It made me so soft and ultimately made the otherwise dark story feel warm and touching.
The way the historical fiction aspect was played into the plot was spot on.
The fact that it was mostly set in Jeju island was really fun to imagine even though I know it was in a different era, I enjoyed imagining myself being back in present day Jeju island. Definitely recommending the audiobook for this one if that's possible for you. The performance adds an extra layer to the story and brings the Joseon Korea to life.
I have to say that I wasn't as attached to the characters individually as much as I was with them as an ensemble and how they interacted with one another… nonetheless, i still think the messages were well received. The writing style is definitely investing. It does play the line between whether or not it’s a supernatural mystery or psychological mystery… which I am now realizing that I am not always the biggest fan of. I like mysteries that are more concrete and decide what it is while being creative in that side that they choose (whether psychological or supernatural). But if you do like that kind of mystery, this is goes through that phase.
The nuanced conversation on gender inequality and empowerment were very prevalent and builds up to the overall theme and message. And we all know how much I love nuanced discussions and thought-provoking themes.
This is the kind of story you should read when you want something a little darker and mysterious but is also still incredibly wholesome while delivering all the emotional familial feelings. June Hur should keep putting out more of these historical mysteries. Or branch out. Either way, I'll keep reading their books for personal and unique touch she brings to the YA mystery genre that is so hard to find nowadays.
I completely flew through this one and it's utterly transportive.
— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings//
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*patiently waiting for my copy to arrive*
It was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming read and the kind of YA mystery-thriller that I actually enjoy. Even though this had topics of death (please check trigger warnings at the bottom) it didn’t feel heavy on the heart.
my problem with Silence of Bones was that I was never hooked into the plot nor the characters but it was different since this felt like it had more of a personal touch. I loved the sister relationship and the subtle development throughout the story. It was sweet and built up on itself. You see how these sisters that were separated for so long slowly trust each other again and *that’s the heartwarming part*. There are strong family relationships, most especially sisterly and daughter-father relationships. It made me so soft and ultimately made the otherwise dark story feel warm and touching.
“How fortunate she is, to be someone’s daughter.”
The way the historical fiction aspect was played into the plot was spot on.
The fact that it was mostly set in Jeju island was really fun to imagine even though I know it was in a different era, I enjoyed imagining myself being back in present day Jeju island. Definitely recommending the audiobook for this one if that's possible for you. The performance adds an extra layer to the story and brings the Joseon Korea to life.
“You can choose to keep silent. But if you do, would you be pleased with that decision in the years to come?”
I have to say that I wasn't as attached to the characters individually as much as I was with them as an ensemble and how they interacted with one another… nonetheless, i still think the messages were well received. The writing style is definitely investing. It does play the line between whether or not it’s a supernatural mystery or psychological mystery… which I am now realizing that I am not always the biggest fan of. I like mysteries that are more concrete and decide what it is while being creative in that side that they choose (whether psychological or supernatural). But if you do like that kind of mystery, this is goes through that phase.
The nuanced conversation on gender inequality and empowerment were very prevalent and builds up to the overall theme and message. And we all know how much I love nuanced discussions and thought-provoking themes.
This is the kind of story you should read when you want something a little darker and mysterious but is also still incredibly wholesome while delivering all the emotional familial feelings. June Hur should keep putting out more of these historical mysteries. Or branch out. Either way, I'll keep reading their books for personal and unique touch she brings to the YA mystery genre that is so hard to find nowadays.
I completely flew through this one and it's utterly transportive.
— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings//
Spoiler
Child abuse, Death, Grief, Kidnapping, Mutilation, Poisoning, Sexual assault (referenced), Slavery, Suicide (mentioned)----------------------
*patiently waiting for my copy to arrive*