Shadows of a Sound

by Hwang Sun-won

Tells the stories of peasant farmers, soldiers, ghetto dwellers, and villagers living in modern Korea

Genres: Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

See: 황순원

Hwang Sun-wŏn was a Korean short story writer, novelist, and poet.

Reviews

[Narth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I read by Hwang Sun-Won was The Moving Fortress, one of his last novels, so it was quite fascinating to read this collection of short stories. The collection is chronological with stories from the late 30's to '83. The early ones are steeped in sad and fatalistic morals. As they move forward in time fate still underpins the stories but they develop a philosophical quirkiness that often surprises. I very much enjoy the day to day life of a long gone Korea pictured herein, foods, habits, tasks needed for living. Hwang Sun-Won uses everything found in daily life to tell his stories. "Painterly" is a word that often came to mind. An excellent little collection.

[hoshiiro · Rating 1 out of 5]

*livre lu pour les cours*

Un livre assez particulier mais qui ne pas particulièrement marqué. Les histoires sont très marquées par la culture coréenne de l'époque et le style d'écriture est un régal mais ça ne m'a pas transcendé.

Je ne sais pas si la note est objective d'ailleurs car les textes sont très doux, fluides et authentiques à leur époque. Je pense juste que ce n'était pas un style qui me correspond.

Je recommande tout de même pour ceux qui veulent lire des histoires courtes de la Corée d'antan!


Ranking des différentes nouvelles :
1. La chienne de Moknomi ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
2. Les étoiles ⭐⭐☆☆☆
3. Le sacrifice du coq ⭐☆☆☆☆
4. Le vieux Potier ⭐⭐☆☆☆
5. Chronique de Solmé ⭐⭐☆☆☆
6. Une veuve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Ensemble ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
9. L'Averse ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

[Rannie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was surprised to find this collection of Korean short stories petty, ugly and bleak. I feel certain I missed something in the translation or through unfamiliarity with the culture. I'd love to try another Korean work if someone has a suggestion.