| Author: Pearl S. Buck Polish title: Ta Trzcina Żyje English title: The Living Reed: A Novel of Korea Genre: Historical Fiction |
Thoughts: I truly loved it. Polish and Korean history is quite similar in terms of occupation and all that, so it was easy for me to relate to all the events described. The plot starts just before the Japanese occupation of Korea starts and ends when Japan loses the War. They give dates (few) but I googled just to be sure and the time period is from 1881 to 1945, tho the last years are describes as a one, quickly passing block of time.
The book tells a story of nobel family Kim, from the father (who was Queen's trusted man), to his grandchildren. I loved Il Han's part (the father) and when the story moved on to Yul Han (the younger son, more peaceful). The last part that presented the life of Yul Chan felt too rushed for me. I didn't fully understand his character nor characters surrounding him. Not to mention Sasza, who was just a big nope of a character to me. They literally described him as a man how thinks if woman fears him it means she wants to be "take by force" (not necessarily raped but forced into relationship). I mean. bitch no.
I don't know guys. I just feel like it's a beautiful story written in an interesting way. It gives just glimpse of all the atrocities that were happening in Korea during Japanese occupation, so it does not feel too heavy. This is one of the books, that is not really my type, but somehow I end up liking at lot.
Favorite quote
"- Are there school in town?
- Yes, father, there are few teachers from America.
- They are Christians!
- There are also schools, where the Japanese teach.
- You want to learn from Japanese?
- I just want to learn".
I just really liked this conversation. I think that showed the difference between the father and son quite well. I think it also has a good sentiment: knowledge and science is universal - does not matter from who you are learning, it matters what and how you will use it.
Done with all the books for February - 4/4. Will slow down a bit in March, probably read 3 books, 2 being a on a smaller note lol
JJChastity:
Good luck with your 4th book this month. Wow, I'm jealous. Hopefully I can follow your footstep later when I'm back to myself. ^-^
It was a good month for me lol Just yesterday I have finished the last book I planned to read :)
Honestly, it does not matter how many books we read, as long as we have fun reading.