- This novel was a recent best-seller in Korea and has now been translated into English by Singaporean translator Shanna Tan. It's an absolutely delightful read, and full of deep insights into Korean society, work and marriage. It could be summarised as a reflection on what makes for a happy life.
- It's also a critique of today's common workplace practices, like casuals versus permanents.
- Yeongju resigns in frustration from her meaningless corporate career and starts a bookshop in a suburb of Seoul. She's had no experience in the book trade, but has always been an enthusiastic reader. It takes a while for her to realise what's needed to make a bookshop successful. She starts on that journey, and it's detailed and very credible.
- First up she hires a barista and pays him well. He befriends the coffee beans supplier and they have detailed discussions about the art of making topnotch coffee (I learnt so much from that!).
- A few other support staff are hired and regular events like book clubs and author presentations scheduled. The customer base increases. Discussions on work, happiness, career demands, personal relationships, marriage, and divorce are vigorous and enlightening. Those discussions give the book enormous power.
- There is so much more to this book than what I've briefly described here. It's full of richness and depth that makes for a highly satisfying read.
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