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Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories
A woman is born. A woman is filmed in public without consent. A woman suffers domestic violence. A woman is gaslit. A woman is discriminated against at work. A woman grows old. A woman becomes famous. A woman is hated and loved, and then hated again.
Written in Cho Nam Joo’s masterful razor sharp prose, Miss Kim knows brings together the lives of eight Korean women, aged 10 to 80. Contained in each of these biographies is a microcosm of contemporary Korea and the challenges and injustices that women face from childhood to old age. As with Kim Jiyoung, born 1982, the dates of these eight women are the fates of women the world over. And under Cho Nam Joo’s precise, unveiled gaze nothing and nobody escapes scrutiny - not even herself.
Written in Cho Nam Joo’s masterful razor sharp prose, Miss Kim knows brings together the lives of eight Korean women, aged 10 to 80. Contained in each of these biographies is a microcosm of contemporary Korea and the challenges and injustices that women face from childhood to old age. As with Kim Jiyoung, born 1982, the dates of these eight women are the fates of women the world over. And under Cho Nam Joo’s precise, unveiled gaze nothing and nobody escapes scrutiny - not even herself.
230 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2021
622 people are currently reading
17590 people want to read
About the author
Cho Nam-Joo
26 books1,960 followersAssociated Names:
* 조남주 (Korean)
* Cho Nam-Joo (English)
* 趙南柱 (Chinese)
* โชนัมจู (Thai)
* チョ・ナムジュ (Japanese)
Cho Nam-joo is a former television scriptwriter. In the writing of Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 she drew partly on her own experience as a woman who quit her job to stay at home after giving birth to a child.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is her third novel. It has had a profound impact on gender inequality and discrimination in Korean society, and has been translated into 18 languages.
* 조남주 (Korean)
* Cho Nam-Joo (English)
* 趙南柱 (Chinese)
* โชนัมจู (Thai)
* チョ・ナムジュ (Japanese)
Cho Nam-joo is a former television scriptwriter. In the writing of Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 she drew partly on her own experience as a woman who quit her job to stay at home after giving birth to a child.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is her third novel. It has had a profound impact on gender inequality and discrimination in Korean society, and has been translated into 18 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,201 reviews
August 25, 2025
i just love reading about being a woman.
these stories varied in depth and complexity, but i almost always enjoyed picking this up.
the language is clear and simple and a pleasure to read, even if the uncomplicated nature of the stories themselves isn't always as much of a delight.
bottom line: biggest pro: simplicity. biggest con: simplicity.
these stories varied in depth and complexity, but i almost always enjoyed picking this up.
the language is clear and simple and a pleasure to read, even if the uncomplicated nature of the stories themselves isn't always as much of a delight.
bottom line: biggest pro: simplicity. biggest con: simplicity.
November 7, 2022
After her international bestseller Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982, Cho Nam-Joo gives us eight short stories about female biographies - and I just love how people tend to point out that she writes about women's roles and oppression in Korea, as if most of the scenarios described wouldn't happen in a very similar or even the exact same way in the West. This doesn't mean that cultural differences aren't a thing; of course they are, but the tendency to fully other phenomena that also exist right here falsely evokes the idea that our societies are more advanced regarding gender equality, when mostly, they aren't.
In the collection, multiple Miss Kims (the Korean version of a Jane Doe) appear, standing in for the experiences of regular women in different roles and stages of life:
- "Unter dem Pflaumenbaum" ("Under the Plum Tree")
About an elderly woman who experiences the deaths of her two sisters and contemplates the perception and agency of old women within their families and in society at large.
- "Trotz" ("Defiance")
About a forty-ish successful writer who meets with her former teacher and ponders how experiences of degradation and how they are remembered shape lives - and how shared trauma can lead to resentment because it sometimes seems to negate individual repercussions for different women, thus de-humanizing them as faceless female victims.
- "Weggelaufen" ("Runaway")
About a woman in her early thirties whose father runs away from home, forcing her mother, her two brothers and herself to cope - a tale of communal reinvention ensues.
- "Miss Kim weiß Bescheid" ("Miss Kim Knows")
About an office worker who learns about her predecessor, the title-giving Miss Kim, who was fired because she was too capable - and how the office deals with her absence.
- "Lieber Hyunnam" ("Dear Hyunnam")
About a 30-year-old woman who, after 10 years, leaves her boyfriend who has been gaslighting and manipulating her, often by playing into justified fears and instrumentalising them in order to erode her sense of judgement and ultimately her sense of self.
- "Die Nacht der Polarlichter" ("The Night of Polar Lights")
Talks about women as caregivers for young children.
- "Große Mädchen" ("Big Girls")
Tells a tale about sexual harassment at school via digital devices - and about a feminist mother and a feminist grandmother who struggle to do the younger women justice.
- "Erste Liebe, 2020" ("First Love, 2020")
Is about young love in the times of Corona.
These are very accessible stories and they are fun to read, although you can find numerous flaws like excessive expositions, uneven pacing, and a disturbing love for explanations. Subtle it is not, but let's face it: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 wasn't either. Still, a very decent, smart collection that tackles important topics while also making for an enjoyable read.
In the collection, multiple Miss Kims (the Korean version of a Jane Doe) appear, standing in for the experiences of regular women in different roles and stages of life:
- "Unter dem Pflaumenbaum" ("Under the Plum Tree")
About an elderly woman who experiences the deaths of her two sisters and contemplates the perception and agency of old women within their families and in society at large.
- "Trotz" ("Defiance")
About a forty-ish successful writer who meets with her former teacher and ponders how experiences of degradation and how they are remembered shape lives - and how shared trauma can lead to resentment because it sometimes seems to negate individual repercussions for different women, thus de-humanizing them as faceless female victims.
- "Weggelaufen" ("Runaway")
About a woman in her early thirties whose father runs away from home, forcing her mother, her two brothers and herself to cope - a tale of communal reinvention ensues.
- "Miss Kim weiß Bescheid" ("Miss Kim Knows")
About an office worker who learns about her predecessor, the title-giving Miss Kim, who was fired because she was too capable - and how the office deals with her absence.
- "Lieber Hyunnam" ("Dear Hyunnam")
About a 30-year-old woman who, after 10 years, leaves her boyfriend who has been gaslighting and manipulating her, often by playing into justified fears and instrumentalising them in order to erode her sense of judgement and ultimately her sense of self.
- "Die Nacht der Polarlichter" ("The Night of Polar Lights")
Talks about women as caregivers for young children.
- "Große Mädchen" ("Big Girls")
Tells a tale about sexual harassment at school via digital devices - and about a feminist mother and a feminist grandmother who struggle to do the younger women justice.
- "Erste Liebe, 2020" ("First Love, 2020")
Is about young love in the times of Corona.
These are very accessible stories and they are fun to read, although you can find numerous flaws like excessive expositions, uneven pacing, and a disturbing love for explanations. Subtle it is not, but let's face it: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 wasn't either. Still, a very decent, smart collection that tackles important topics while also making for an enjoyable read.
November 17, 2024
In a Nutshell: A short story collection by the brilliant Korean writer who always tackles powerful themes in her standoffish style. A good range of female characters, strong themes. A wonderful option for literary short fiction lovers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been a huge fan of this author ever since I read ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’. Its dry writing style belied the powerful theme it contained. The statement it made against the systemic patriarchy in Korea was so realistic that it stood true to regions much beyond Korean boundaries.
This collection of short stories explores a similar theme. The eight stories herein all focus on women, with the central characters ranging in age from preteen to octogenarian. The blurb describes the book as "exploring the intimacies of contemporary Korean womanhood", and the stories do justice to this claim.
In line with the author’s earlier works, each story is literary in style, focussing more on character development while still containing a strong plot. The stories are written in first person as well as third person. However, in both cases, we get to know the character’s inner thoughts intimately. It’s a brilliant example of how both grammatical voices can be used optimally for and without any compromise on character detailing by good writers.
The author’s prose is also as sharp as always, with the writing being to the point and without any flowery embellishments. It is a stark look at stark scenarios, elevating the grittiness and realism of the narrative.
The plots are not always linear, which might be a constraint to those who don’t know this author’s style. The random back-and-forth can be confusing. However, once we reach the end, we realise the importance of every event, past as well as present.
To be honest, I was a bit unsure about how the author would tackle the endings. As short fiction lovers know, endings make a difference to our experience of this format. In both ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1984’ and ‘Saha’ – the author’s only two translated-to-English novels so far – the endings were unexpected and shocking. In the former book, it worked well; in the latter, it was a disappointment. To my surprise, this collection handles most endings excellently without going OTT in settlement or happiness. The story stops at the right point of intrigue, when the character is on the cusp of a major life-changing situation, and yet the parting words leave us with enough information to guess what might happen next.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the eight stories, only two earned less than 3.5 stars. The rest were all winners. Here are the six stories that won my heart:
All in all, a must-read collection with a strong character development and a powerful feminist undertone. If you have already read Kim Jiyoung, you can expect a similar yet novel approach in this set. If you want to try this author, this book could be a great way of sampling her writing.
Strongly recommended to lovers of short fiction, feminist fiction, and OwnVoices writing.
4 stars, based on the average of my ratings for each story. (If you are familiar with my ratings, you know that an average that goes to 4 stars and beyond is outstanding for an anthology.)
My thanks to W. W. Norton and Liveright for providing the DRC of “Miss Kim Knows: And Other Stories” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have been a huge fan of this author ever since I read ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982’. Its dry writing style belied the powerful theme it contained. The statement it made against the systemic patriarchy in Korea was so realistic that it stood true to regions much beyond Korean boundaries.
This collection of short stories explores a similar theme. The eight stories herein all focus on women, with the central characters ranging in age from preteen to octogenarian. The blurb describes the book as "exploring the intimacies of contemporary Korean womanhood", and the stories do justice to this claim.
In line with the author’s earlier works, each story is literary in style, focussing more on character development while still containing a strong plot. The stories are written in first person as well as third person. However, in both cases, we get to know the character’s inner thoughts intimately. It’s a brilliant example of how both grammatical voices can be used optimally for and without any compromise on character detailing by good writers.
The author’s prose is also as sharp as always, with the writing being to the point and without any flowery embellishments. It is a stark look at stark scenarios, elevating the grittiness and realism of the narrative.
The plots are not always linear, which might be a constraint to those who don’t know this author’s style. The random back-and-forth can be confusing. However, once we reach the end, we realise the importance of every event, past as well as present.
To be honest, I was a bit unsure about how the author would tackle the endings. As short fiction lovers know, endings make a difference to our experience of this format. In both ‘Kim Jiyoung, Born 1984’ and ‘Saha’ – the author’s only two translated-to-English novels so far – the endings were unexpected and shocking. In the former book, it worked well; in the latter, it was a disappointment. To my surprise, this collection handles most endings excellently without going OTT in settlement or happiness. The story stops at the right point of intrigue, when the character is on the cusp of a major life-changing situation, and yet the parting words leave us with enough information to guess what might happen next.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the eight stories, only two earned less than 3.5 stars. The rest were all winners. Here are the six stories that won my heart:
🌺 Under the Plum Tree: A first-person narrative from an octogenarian's perspective, focussing on her elder sister's present time in a care home and their childhood years. Introspective and bittersweet. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌺 Dead Set: A great part of me wonders if this story is auto fiction, based on the response the author received for her seminal feminist novel, ‘Kim Ji -Young Born 1982'. The fact that a key character is named Kim and the first-person narrator is called Choa increases my suspicion. Either way, this is a shockingly realistic narrative depicting human behaviour with all its strengths and flaws. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌺 Runaway: When the narrator's father runs away, it's a shock, but soon she sees another side of the event. One of the most unusual missing person narratives I've ever read! True to life in every way. The ending might not work for everyone, but I loved it. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🌺 Dear Hyunnam Oppa: A young woman finally lets her college boyfriend get a taste of his own medicine. Loved the letter format and the last sentence. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌺 Night of Aurora: When a woman seeks to fulfill her life-long dream of seeing the aurora, you can't help but root for her. The only long story in this collection, and probably the most poignant and honest one. I especially loved the MIL-DIL connect in this one. Very unusual! - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🌺 Puppy Love, 2020: A budding romance faces challenges because of the COVID lockdown. What sets this story apart is that the "couple" is in the fourth grade. It sounds sweet but is more bittersweet. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
All in all, a must-read collection with a strong character development and a powerful feminist undertone. If you have already read Kim Jiyoung, you can expect a similar yet novel approach in this set. If you want to try this author, this book could be a great way of sampling her writing.
Strongly recommended to lovers of short fiction, feminist fiction, and OwnVoices writing.
4 stars, based on the average of my ratings for each story. (If you are familiar with my ratings, you know that an average that goes to 4 stars and beyond is outstanding for an anthology.)
My thanks to W. W. Norton and Liveright for providing the DRC of “Miss Kim Knows: And Other Stories” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
July 29, 2025
1. Under the Plum Tree
Mallyeo, the youngest of three sisters, is not named in the same fashion as her older sisters. Their translated names are Gold Bead and Silver Bead, and thus, she should be Bronze Bead.
She is considered "lucky," because her mother had sons after her. While I revile the part of Asian culture that places such high importance on sons, and yet expects so much from daughters, I still connected to this story so much.
In the end, it is Mallyeo that ends up visiting Silver Bead in her dying days. Most of Silver Bead's children and grandchildren do not care to come. Aside from Mallyeo, she has one regular familial visitor.
It is not made known to us why this is the case. Perhaps Silver Bead didn't treat them fairly as they grew up. Perhaps they themselves are the ones that are not fair. That doesn't matter here. I still enjoyed this tiny window into elderly women's lives.
2. Dead Set
A woman known as The Godmother of Feminism has threats and defamation posted to her written work, even from former colleagues and friends. Some say what she is doing for women harms their young boys.
I’ve met women like this. You probably have, too. When a rape case is announced, they wonder if the girl is lying. I can’t with women like this.
3. Runaway
A woman's father runs away, leaving only a note behind. Her mother and brothers are stumped as to why he has gone. They are unable to track him. The police are no help, as he has left of his own accord.
One day, the daughter remembers an old credit card she gave her father for emergencies. Through a couple of charges, she tries to track him down.
4. Miss Kim Knows
East Asian office culture is wild. Imagine devoting years of your life to a company, doing multiple roles for little to no pay, and then getting fired for it. Miss Kim deserves revenge.
When a new person is hired, supposedly in Miss Kim’s place, things start to go awry. Email lists are misspelled. Items go missing. When they check the security cameras, no one is there…
5. Dear Hyunnam Oppa
To whom it may concern,
This one gave me PTSD. If a toxic South Korean man is drawing you away from your best friends, tells you you're too ugly for him, and tries to manipulate you, please try to leave.
Love,
me
6. Night of Aurora
I have been obsessed with Scandinavia for as long as I can remember. I booked a trip in 2017 to see the Northern Lights. It was cloudy the entire time we were up north.
Part of this story is about chasing the aurora, albeit this time in Canada. They are successful. I am happy for them.
The other part of the story is the idea of having children just to have them, and then subsequently dumping the childcare on your parents and siblings. No one asks for that. If you don’t want to have children, don’t. Stop expecting others to watch your kids. It’s not a privilege.
7. Grown-up Girl
This pissed me off. I hated it. I loved it.
A certain book-turned-film adaptation is being touted as a romance. It is, in fact, a horrible example of domestic violence.
While we have miles and miles to go, the west is a slightly better place to be a woman than most of Asia, which glorifies sons and makes slaves of women.
Mom groups are notoriously mean. Women, in general, cannot behave amongst themselves. It doesn’t matter how many there are. I don’t know why this is. One could argue we’re bred to do this from an early age, pitted against each other in grade school to come out on top.
The narrator in this one has a daughter. She is slightly younger than the other moms. They look down on her. Her husband doesn’t help. The main, mean mom, is mom to a bully. When is he caught sexually harassing a female student, mean mom calls narrator to make sure her daughter doesn’t testify. Because, surely, her baby boy didn’t do this. She insinuates the narrator’s daughter is lying.
I have more to say. Embarrassingly enough, some of the women from my high school, one of the top ten in a large city, and very progressive to boot, are this way now. I hate when people change and their only excuse is, “I’m a mom now.” I’ve lost a best friend over this. Your values didn’t change. You did. For the worse.
8. Puppy Love
You may call the girl frivolous, but I remember being this young and begging my parents for a smartphone. Whether it is because she already has a working flip phone, is too young, or just doesn't need one, her annoyance at her parents is unfounded during COVID. Her father has had to lay off people at his travel agency, as people are understandably not traveling. The boyfriend subplot bored me, so I’ll leave him out of this.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Liveright
Mallyeo, the youngest of three sisters, is not named in the same fashion as her older sisters. Their translated names are Gold Bead and Silver Bead, and thus, she should be Bronze Bead.
She is considered "lucky," because her mother had sons after her. While I revile the part of Asian culture that places such high importance on sons, and yet expects so much from daughters, I still connected to this story so much.
In the end, it is Mallyeo that ends up visiting Silver Bead in her dying days. Most of Silver Bead's children and grandchildren do not care to come. Aside from Mallyeo, she has one regular familial visitor.
It is not made known to us why this is the case. Perhaps Silver Bead didn't treat them fairly as they grew up. Perhaps they themselves are the ones that are not fair. That doesn't matter here. I still enjoyed this tiny window into elderly women's lives.
2. Dead Set
A woman known as The Godmother of Feminism has threats and defamation posted to her written work, even from former colleagues and friends. Some say what she is doing for women harms their young boys.
I’ve met women like this. You probably have, too. When a rape case is announced, they wonder if the girl is lying. I can’t with women like this.
3. Runaway
A woman's father runs away, leaving only a note behind. Her mother and brothers are stumped as to why he has gone. They are unable to track him. The police are no help, as he has left of his own accord.
One day, the daughter remembers an old credit card she gave her father for emergencies. Through a couple of charges, she tries to track him down.
4. Miss Kim Knows
East Asian office culture is wild. Imagine devoting years of your life to a company, doing multiple roles for little to no pay, and then getting fired for it. Miss Kim deserves revenge.
When a new person is hired, supposedly in Miss Kim’s place, things start to go awry. Email lists are misspelled. Items go missing. When they check the security cameras, no one is there…
5. Dear Hyunnam Oppa
To whom it may concern,
This one gave me PTSD. If a toxic South Korean man is drawing you away from your best friends, tells you you're too ugly for him, and tries to manipulate you, please try to leave.
Love,
me
6. Night of Aurora
I have been obsessed with Scandinavia for as long as I can remember. I booked a trip in 2017 to see the Northern Lights. It was cloudy the entire time we were up north.
Part of this story is about chasing the aurora, albeit this time in Canada. They are successful. I am happy for them.
The other part of the story is the idea of having children just to have them, and then subsequently dumping the childcare on your parents and siblings. No one asks for that. If you don’t want to have children, don’t. Stop expecting others to watch your kids. It’s not a privilege.
7. Grown-up Girl
This pissed me off. I hated it. I loved it.
A certain book-turned-film adaptation is being touted as a romance. It is, in fact, a horrible example of domestic violence.
While we have miles and miles to go, the west is a slightly better place to be a woman than most of Asia, which glorifies sons and makes slaves of women.
Mom groups are notoriously mean. Women, in general, cannot behave amongst themselves. It doesn’t matter how many there are. I don’t know why this is. One could argue we’re bred to do this from an early age, pitted against each other in grade school to come out on top.
The narrator in this one has a daughter. She is slightly younger than the other moms. They look down on her. Her husband doesn’t help. The main, mean mom, is mom to a bully. When is he caught sexually harassing a female student, mean mom calls narrator to make sure her daughter doesn’t testify. Because, surely, her baby boy didn’t do this. She insinuates the narrator’s daughter is lying.
I have more to say. Embarrassingly enough, some of the women from my high school, one of the top ten in a large city, and very progressive to boot, are this way now. I hate when people change and their only excuse is, “I’m a mom now.” I’ve lost a best friend over this. Your values didn’t change. You did. For the worse.
8. Puppy Love
You may call the girl frivolous, but I remember being this young and begging my parents for a smartphone. Whether it is because she already has a working flip phone, is too young, or just doesn't need one, her annoyance at her parents is unfounded during COVID. Her father has had to lay off people at his travel agency, as people are understandably not traveling. The boyfriend subplot bored me, so I’ll leave him out of this.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Liveright
April 19, 2023
Przyznam, że zarówno szata graficzna jak i sam tytuł zbliżone do „Kim Jiyoung urodzona w 1982” mogą być dla czytelnika mylące, ale nie interesowałam się oryginałem, więc pozostawię to po prostu jako komentarz. Jest to coś zupełnie innego, zarówno tematyką jak i formą - 8 historii 8 różnych kobiet. Są mniej lub bardziej porywające i niestety, według mnie przeważają te mniej.
October 18, 2022
Der koreanischen Autorin Cho Nam-Joo ist mit Ihrer Sammlung zu acht Frauenschicksalen in Form von Kurzgeschichten wieder ein großer Wurf gelungen, denn diese sind so konzipiert, dass sie sehr unterschiedliche Aspekte vom Leben als Frau im patriarchalischen Gesellschaftssystem in Korea thematisieren und so geben sie gleichzeitig einen sehr guten Rundumblick über die Gesamtgesellschaft. Männer kommen nur als Randfiguren und Ausüber von patriarchalischer Gewalt vor, alles ist aus der Sicht der betroffenen Frauen geschildert. Dieses Setting hat mir ausgezeichnet gefallen.
Die erste Geschichte war schon mal furchtbar, im Sinne von verstörend gut. Sie zeigt das einsame Altern von Frauen in Korea. Zuerst haben sie sich für ihre vielen Kinder aufgeopfert, sowohl im Berufsleben hart gearbeitet als auch in der Freizeit im Haushalt dem Manne gedient, die Ausbildung der Kids mitfinanziert und die Kinder zu den eigenen Müttern gegeben, was zu einer recht großen Entfremdung führte. Anschließend haben sie ihre Enkel großgezogen, um die eigenen Kinder, die nun auch voll im Berufsleben schuften müssen, zu entlasten. Im hohen Alter können sie sich glücklich schätzen, wenn sie zumindest ein Enkel im Altersheim besucht. Da kriegt man wirklich Angst vorm Altern.
In Short Story zwei sind die Gewalterfahrungen mit den Vätern und Brüdern und die Vernachlässigungen von jungen Frauen von der gesamten Familie zugunsten ihrer Brüder so ähnlich, dass eine Autorin des Geschichtendiebstahls bezichtigt wird, als sie sich einen Ruck gibt und endlich auch mal ihre eigene Story aufschreibt.
In Geschichte drei lebt eine Familie nach dem Verschwinden des Patriarchen besser als je zuvor, plötzlich können sich alle entfalten und Beziehungen miteinander knüpfen.
Die titelgebende Story Miss Kim weiß Bescheid beleuchtet das Leben und die Ungleichbehandlung von Frauen in der Arbeitswelt. Zudem wird auch noch dezent und indirekt darauf hingewiesen, dass fast jeder Job in Korea durch persönliche Beziehungen, ergo durch die tägliche Kleinkorruption, vergeben wird.
In Geschichte fünf, die mir fast am besten gefallen hat, rechnet eine Frau mit ihrem toxischen Partner ab, der die patriarchalen Strukturen vollends verkörpert, indem er seine Freundin von allen Außenkontakten abriegelt, anschließend permanent kritisiert und sie schlussendlich quasi besachwaltert, bis sie jedes Selbstbewusstsein und Eigeninitiative verloren hat. Diesen Manipulations- und Kontrollzwang und die systematische Vernichtung jeglicher Identität seiner Freundin nennt er dann ernsthaft „Liebe“.
"Du hast mich eingesperrt, kontrolliert, und mich heruntergemacht – alles unter der Behauptung, das sei Liebe – und mich ganz sicher nicht als Menschen respektiert. So hast du eine unfähige, unsichere Person aus mir gemacht. Du hast dich nicht um mich gekümmert, weil ich zu dumm war; du hast mich erst zu jemand Dummem gemacht, indem du dich um mich „gekümmert“ hast. Hat es dir Spaß gemacht, mich als unfähig zu bezeichnen und nach Lust und Laune zu manipulieren? Danke für den Heiratsantrag. Sonst wäre ich nie darauf gekommen, Kang Hyunnam, du Arschloch!"
In Geschichte sechs beginnt eine sehr innige Beziehung zwischen Schwiegermutter und Schwiegertochter, sobald die Männer nicht mehr anwesend sind.
In der siebten Geschichte geht es um sexuelle Belästigung von Mädchen in der Schule, wie solche Vorfälle zugunsten der zukünftigen Karriere der männlichen Täter von den Verantwortlichen unter den Tisch gekehrt werden und wie sich die Mädchen dann wehren. In der letzten Story wird von einer jungen Liebe in der Schule erzählt, die durch die Isolation während Corona in die Brüche geht.
Hiermit schließt sich dann auch die Klammer von der ersten Story, in der die älteste Frauengeneration thematisiert wird, bis zur jüngsten Generation. Das ist grandios gemacht.
Fazit: Lesen! Großartig! Schön langsam steigt bei mir das Grauen auf, wenn ich meine fünf besten Neuerscheinungen des Jahres herausfischen und besprechen soll, denn dieses Buch gehört auch auf die Liste, auf der mittlerweile schon mindestens acht Bücher stehen.
Die erste Geschichte war schon mal furchtbar, im Sinne von verstörend gut. Sie zeigt das einsame Altern von Frauen in Korea. Zuerst haben sie sich für ihre vielen Kinder aufgeopfert, sowohl im Berufsleben hart gearbeitet als auch in der Freizeit im Haushalt dem Manne gedient, die Ausbildung der Kids mitfinanziert und die Kinder zu den eigenen Müttern gegeben, was zu einer recht großen Entfremdung führte. Anschließend haben sie ihre Enkel großgezogen, um die eigenen Kinder, die nun auch voll im Berufsleben schuften müssen, zu entlasten. Im hohen Alter können sie sich glücklich schätzen, wenn sie zumindest ein Enkel im Altersheim besucht. Da kriegt man wirklich Angst vorm Altern.
In Short Story zwei sind die Gewalterfahrungen mit den Vätern und Brüdern und die Vernachlässigungen von jungen Frauen von der gesamten Familie zugunsten ihrer Brüder so ähnlich, dass eine Autorin des Geschichtendiebstahls bezichtigt wird, als sie sich einen Ruck gibt und endlich auch mal ihre eigene Story aufschreibt.
In Geschichte drei lebt eine Familie nach dem Verschwinden des Patriarchen besser als je zuvor, plötzlich können sich alle entfalten und Beziehungen miteinander knüpfen.
Die titelgebende Story Miss Kim weiß Bescheid beleuchtet das Leben und die Ungleichbehandlung von Frauen in der Arbeitswelt. Zudem wird auch noch dezent und indirekt darauf hingewiesen, dass fast jeder Job in Korea durch persönliche Beziehungen, ergo durch die tägliche Kleinkorruption, vergeben wird.
In Geschichte fünf, die mir fast am besten gefallen hat, rechnet eine Frau mit ihrem toxischen Partner ab, der die patriarchalen Strukturen vollends verkörpert, indem er seine Freundin von allen Außenkontakten abriegelt, anschließend permanent kritisiert und sie schlussendlich quasi besachwaltert, bis sie jedes Selbstbewusstsein und Eigeninitiative verloren hat. Diesen Manipulations- und Kontrollzwang und die systematische Vernichtung jeglicher Identität seiner Freundin nennt er dann ernsthaft „Liebe“.
"Du hast mich eingesperrt, kontrolliert, und mich heruntergemacht – alles unter der Behauptung, das sei Liebe – und mich ganz sicher nicht als Menschen respektiert. So hast du eine unfähige, unsichere Person aus mir gemacht. Du hast dich nicht um mich gekümmert, weil ich zu dumm war; du hast mich erst zu jemand Dummem gemacht, indem du dich um mich „gekümmert“ hast. Hat es dir Spaß gemacht, mich als unfähig zu bezeichnen und nach Lust und Laune zu manipulieren? Danke für den Heiratsantrag. Sonst wäre ich nie darauf gekommen, Kang Hyunnam, du Arschloch!"
In Geschichte sechs beginnt eine sehr innige Beziehung zwischen Schwiegermutter und Schwiegertochter, sobald die Männer nicht mehr anwesend sind.
In der siebten Geschichte geht es um sexuelle Belästigung von Mädchen in der Schule, wie solche Vorfälle zugunsten der zukünftigen Karriere der männlichen Täter von den Verantwortlichen unter den Tisch gekehrt werden und wie sich die Mädchen dann wehren. In der letzten Story wird von einer jungen Liebe in der Schule erzählt, die durch die Isolation während Corona in die Brüche geht.
Hiermit schließt sich dann auch die Klammer von der ersten Story, in der die älteste Frauengeneration thematisiert wird, bis zur jüngsten Generation. Das ist grandios gemacht.
Fazit: Lesen! Großartig! Schön langsam steigt bei mir das Grauen auf, wenn ich meine fünf besten Neuerscheinungen des Jahres herausfischen und besprechen soll, denn dieses Buch gehört auch auf die Liste, auf der mittlerweile schon mindestens acht Bücher stehen.
July 18, 2023
Cho Nam-joo’s collection continues her exploration of the personal experiences of Korean women, at work, at home and in their relationships with family, partners and other women they encounter. Overall, these eight pieces are pleasingly lucid, often poignant, and sometimes wryly funny, frequently couched in a direct but fluid style that sometimes reminded me of Park Wan-suh writing about earlier generations of Korean women. In the bittersweet “Under the Plum Tree” Dongju who’s close to eighty reflects on her past as she strives to come to terms with loss and a growing awareness of her own mortality, comforted by the unexpected symbol of hope represented by a plum tree that somehow manages to flourish despite its unlikely, urban environment. “Dead Set” which has a distinctly semi-autobiographical flavour, centres on an author grappling with the downsides of sudden fame after the publication of her controversial novel; while “Dear Hyunnam Oppa” is a stirring account of a woman’s glorious act of rebellion against her controlling boyfriend. The title story documents the strange happenings at an exploitative company after the seemingly indispensable Miss Kim is summarily fired; and “Night of Aurora” brims with emotion as it details a middle-aged woman’s final realisation of a lifelong dream. Like others here, “Grown-up Girl” probes into the dynamics of mother and daughter interactions, highlighted when an act of school violence threatens to divide a family and a community. “Puppy Love, 2020” is the final entry and, for me, the weakest in a surprisingly strong, compelling assortment, set during the early days of the Covid pandemic it’s more of interest as historical document than as fiction. But, on the whole, I really liked these stories, far more than I did Cho’s bestselling Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 – I could see why that book was culturally significant but it didn’t capture my attention as much as these shorter, pithier narratives. Translated by Jamie Chang.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Scribner for an ARC
Rating: 3.5
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Scribner for an ARC
Rating: 3.5
August 29, 2025
Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories - Cho Nam-joo
هذه مجموعة قصصية، قصص ثمانية نساء كوريات تتراوح أعمارهن بين سنوات المراهقة الأولى وحتى الثمانين..
تقول صديقتي عبير أحمد: "تفهم النساء بعضهن، لأن القصّة واحدة."
وقصص تشو نام جو تجسيد لهذه المقولة،
نعم، لكل إمرأة رحلة كفاحها المختلفة وقصتها الخاصة وتختلف مساراتها وخياراتها عن الأخريات... لكنهن جميعَا يواجهن كل يوم نفس الصعوبات… تتعرض إمرأة للتمييز في العمل، تتعرض أخرى للتصوير بدون موافقتها، يتم التلاعب لسنوات بإمرأة ثالثة … وأخرى تتعرض للعنف المنزلي… إلخ إنها القصة نفسها في كل مكان... نضال يومي ضد العنف والتمييز والتحرش وحيوات مليئة بالحب والخسارات وشعور بالخوف من أن يمر قطار العمر تحت وطأة رتابة الحياة المنزلية الإجبارية .
في القصة الأولى نرافق الراوية في زياراتها لشقيقتها المصابة بـالـ ألزهايمر والمقيمة في أحد مراكز الرعاية، الراوية سيدة قوية وعصامية ويعني اسمها "الفتاة الأخيرة" لأن والديها كانا يريدان صبيًا ولم تعن لهم ولادة ابنة أخرى شيئًا، لكن أختها التي تعاني الزهايمر تناديها باسمها الذي اختارته لنفسها بعد سنوات طويلة، وكأنها تخبرها بطريقتها أنها مرئية ومحبوبة. أحببت هذه القصة ودفئها.
المجموعة قصصها بسيطة، وأظن القصص ربما فقدت بعض الزخم بسبب الترجمة لكنها بالمجمل جيدة .
هذه مجموعة قصصية، قصص ثمانية نساء كوريات تتراوح أعمارهن بين سنوات المراهقة الأولى وحتى الثمانين..
تقول صديقتي عبير أحمد: "تفهم النساء بعضهن، لأن القصّة واحدة."
وقصص تشو نام جو تجسيد لهذه المقولة،
نعم، لكل إمرأة رحلة كفاحها المختلفة وقصتها الخاصة وتختلف مساراتها وخياراتها عن الأخريات... لكنهن جميعَا يواجهن كل يوم نفس الصعوبات… تتعرض إمرأة للتمييز في العمل، تتعرض أخرى للتصوير بدون موافقتها، يتم التلاعب لسنوات بإمرأة ثالثة … وأخرى تتعرض للعنف المنزلي… إلخ إنها القصة نفسها في كل مكان... نضال يومي ضد العنف والتمييز والتحرش وحيوات مليئة بالحب والخسارات وشعور بالخوف من أن يمر قطار العمر تحت وطأة رتابة الحياة المنزلية الإجبارية .
في القصة الأولى نرافق الراوية في زياراتها لشقيقتها المصابة بـالـ ألزهايمر والمقيمة في أحد مراكز الرعاية، الراوية سيدة قوية وعصامية ويعني اسمها "الفتاة الأخيرة" لأن والديها كانا يريدان صبيًا ولم تعن لهم ولادة ابنة أخرى شيئًا، لكن أختها التي تعاني الزهايمر تناديها باسمها الذي اختارته لنفسها بعد سنوات طويلة، وكأنها تخبرها بطريقتها أنها مرئية ومحبوبة. أحببت هذه القصة ودفئها.
المجموعة قصصها بسيطة، وأظن القصص ربما فقدت بعض الزخم بسبب الترجمة لكنها بالمجمل جيدة .
November 30, 2024
The author of one of my favourite Korean novels is back with an excellent collection of feminist short stories. She’s truly unmatched in her ability to highlight moments of subtle everyday sexism in a way that is both realistic and moving. I definitely recommend this to fans of translated literature!
March 18, 2024
4.5/5
Honestamente, amé tanto los primeros siete relatos que todo el tiempo pensé en ponerle 5 estrellas, pero el último, aunque estuvo bien, no me dejó una sensación tan maravillosa como los otros. Como son relatos no tiene sentido que escriba una sinopsis, solo diré que son cuentos desde una perspectiva femenina a lo largo de distintas edades y experiencias cotidianas en la vida.
Similar a lo que me pasó con Kim Ji-young, nacida en 1982 aunque la cultura coreana y latina sea tan diferentes, siento que las situaciones que relató en sus cuentos eran sumamente cercanas. Incluso si no he vivido algo parecido, sé que son situaciones que se dan, que existen y eso hizo que los relatos lograran conmoverme en varios niveles. La forma de narrar de Nam-joo y las voces de sus protagonistas las volvieron muy cercanas, hizo que pudiera sentir sus dolores y miedos, aunque jamás experimentara algo similar.
Me gustó que todos los relatos se sintieron diferentes. En los agradecimientos la autora explicó los momentos en que escribió cada uno y ahí quedó en claro que fueron escritos a lo largo de varios años. Se notó, era la misma autora, con su forma de narrar, pero a la vez se notó que pasó por distintos momentos y etapas a medida que iba escribiendo, me gustó ir leyendo ese cambio en ella. Las voces de sus protagonistas jóvenes versus las mayores se sentían muy acorde a lo que esperaría, con las ilusiones de una juventud o la decepción de cuando la vida no es lo que se espera, contra la sabiduría y resignación de la edad.
Sé que el foco de estos relatos podría parecer que estaba en lo difícil que lo tienen las mujeres en el mundo y es así, pero también son relatos llenos de amor y autodescubrimiento. Lo que más disfruté fue leer a estas mujeres tan distintas entre sí y en diferentes etapas de la vida tomando decisiones por sí mismas. Me gustó acompañarlas mientras aprendían a decidir que ellas valían los riesgos o los malos ratos, que su felicidad o tranquilidad era valiosa. El relato de la chica que decidió no casarse me pareció maravilloso, esos años de estar en una relación tóxica y todo el tiempo que le tomó darse cuenta, pero luego el valor de poder salir de ahí, me encantó.
Otra cosa que me gustó, fue que varios relatos presentaron muchas relaciones muy lindas de mujeres con otras mujeres. Las ancianas que estaban en los últimos momentos, la nuera con su suegra, dos amigas en la universidad y así, me gustó que la autora representara la importancia de esas relaciones en nuestra vida. Por lejos, amé la relación de la nuera con la suegra, el relato de ambas me sacó un par de lágrimas en un momento. Además, también representó otro tipo de relaciones, como una hija que asumía que le cargaría los hijos a la madre y ella no quería esto. Todo un océano de distancia y las situaciones seguían siendo aplicables para mi país y he conocido casos así.
El último relato, el de los niños durante el covid, fue el que menos me gustó, creo que es el más reciente por los agradecimientos. No creo que fuera un mal relato, para nada, de hecho, me pareció que contó la historia de la mejor forma en que podía contarse esa historia y fue lindo. Sin embargo, todos los otros relatos previos me parecieron tan hermosos y los sentí tan cercanos que ese se me hizo algo indiferente. Es probable que si no fuera con el que terminé, sino que partiera con él, mi percepción hubiera sido distinta por las experiencia de ir enganchándome más a medida que avanzara en la lectura.
Lo que sabe la señorita Kim es una antología de relatos muy conmovedores que se centran en distintas mujeres en distintas etapas de su vida. Todos narrados desde la cotidianidad de sus vidas, lo que los volvió muy cercanos y fáciles de empatizar.
Honestamente, amé tanto los primeros siete relatos que todo el tiempo pensé en ponerle 5 estrellas, pero el último, aunque estuvo bien, no me dejó una sensación tan maravillosa como los otros. Como son relatos no tiene sentido que escriba una sinopsis, solo diré que son cuentos desde una perspectiva femenina a lo largo de distintas edades y experiencias cotidianas en la vida.
"Como se ha pasado toda la vida esforzándose por mantener los ojos abiertos para que nadie la engañe y apretando los dientes para tragarse las humillaciones o las injusticias cotidianas, mi hermana tiene las arrugas tan profundas alrededor de los labios y en el ceño que parecen cicatrices de cortes de cuchillo".
Similar a lo que me pasó con Kim Ji-young, nacida en 1982 aunque la cultura coreana y latina sea tan diferentes, siento que las situaciones que relató en sus cuentos eran sumamente cercanas. Incluso si no he vivido algo parecido, sé que son situaciones que se dan, que existen y eso hizo que los relatos lograran conmoverme en varios niveles. La forma de narrar de Nam-joo y las voces de sus protagonistas las volvieron muy cercanas, hizo que pudiera sentir sus dolores y miedos, aunque jamás experimentara algo similar.
"Preguntabas cuántos prefería tener, en vez de qué pensaba sobre ser madre. No querías saber si estaba dispuesta a hacerme cargo del cuidado de los niños, sino durante cuánto tiempo estaría en casa, dedicada a ellos. Cuando evitaba dar una respuesta con el pretexto de que nunca me lo había planteado en serio, me acusabas de vivir sin un plan. Ahora yo te pregunto: ¿cón qué derecho hacías planes de tener hijos conmigo si no eres tú quien los iba a llevar en el útero durante nueve meses o quedarse en casa para cuidarlos? Quien vive sin un plan no soy yo, sino tú".
Me gustó que todos los relatos se sintieron diferentes. En los agradecimientos la autora explicó los momentos en que escribió cada uno y ahí quedó en claro que fueron escritos a lo largo de varios años. Se notó, era la misma autora, con su forma de narrar, pero a la vez se notó que pasó por distintos momentos y etapas a medida que iba escribiendo, me gustó ir leyendo ese cambio en ella. Las voces de sus protagonistas jóvenes versus las mayores se sentían muy acorde a lo que esperaría, con las ilusiones de una juventud o la decepción de cuando la vida no es lo que se espera, contra la sabiduría y resignación de la edad.
"Haz lo que te dé la gana mientras seas joven. Porque, con la edad, lo único que ganarás será cobardía y arrepentimientos".
Sé que el foco de estos relatos podría parecer que estaba en lo difícil que lo tienen las mujeres en el mundo y es así, pero también son relatos llenos de amor y autodescubrimiento. Lo que más disfruté fue leer a estas mujeres tan distintas entre sí y en diferentes etapas de la vida tomando decisiones por sí mismas. Me gustó acompañarlas mientras aprendían a decidir que ellas valían los riesgos o los malos ratos, que su felicidad o tranquilidad era valiosa. El relato de la chica que decidió no casarse me pareció maravilloso, esos años de estar en una relación tóxica y todo el tiempo que le tomó darse cuenta, pero luego el valor de poder salir de ahí, me encantó.
"Me flaquearon las piernas, me senté en el suelo nevado y levanté la cabeza hacia el cielo. En esa posición, me eché a llorar como una niña. Nunca había llorado de esa manera, sin esconderme y tan fuerte, una vez cumplida la mayoría de edad. Lo mío habían sido siempre los sollozos en silencio. Jamás un llanto consolador o purificador, sino de dolor, resentimiento, angustia y arrepentimiento. Pero esa vez era distinto. Con lágrimas, salió de mi cuerpo y de mi alma todo lo viejo que acumulaba en mi interior. "He vivido para este momento -grité para mis adentros-. ¡Estoy viva así, aquí, ahora!"".
Otra cosa que me gustó, fue que varios relatos presentaron muchas relaciones muy lindas de mujeres con otras mujeres. Las ancianas que estaban en los últimos momentos, la nuera con su suegra, dos amigas en la universidad y así, me gustó que la autora representara la importancia de esas relaciones en nuestra vida. Por lejos, amé la relación de la nuera con la suegra, el relato de ambas me sacó un par de lágrimas en un momento. Además, también representó otro tipo de relaciones, como una hija que asumía que le cargaría los hijos a la madre y ella no quería esto. Todo un océano de distancia y las situaciones seguían siendo aplicables para mi país y he conocido casos así.
"Quiero vivir por muchos años más. Que me pongan respiradores artificiales y lo necesario para mantenerme con vida. ¿Qué diablos ganaré viéndome guapa al morir? No quiero ser guapa. Lo que deseo es tener una vida larga, repirar el aire de este mundo maravilloso todo lo que pueda".
El último relato, el de los niños durante el covid, fue el que menos me gustó, creo que es el más reciente por los agradecimientos. No creo que fuera un mal relato, para nada, de hecho, me pareció que contó la historia de la mejor forma en que podía contarse esa historia y fue lindo. Sin embargo, todos los otros relatos previos me parecieron tan hermosos y los sentí tan cercanos que ese se me hizo algo indiferente. Es probable que si no fuera con el que terminé, sino que partiera con él, mi percepción hubiera sido distinta por las experiencia de ir enganchándome más a medida que avanzara en la lectura.
"Pienso que una no llora porque esté triste, sino que se siente triste cuando llora".
Lo que sabe la señorita Kim es una antología de relatos muy conmovedores que se centran en distintas mujeres en distintas etapas de su vida. Todos narrados desde la cotidianidad de sus vidas, lo que los volvió muy cercanos y fáciles de empatizar.
"Me he convencido de que debo dar el cien por cien en cada momento. Porque, si existo, aunque sea una insignificante partícula de polvo en este universo, por algo será. Así que debo amarme. Debo apreciar la vida que me ha tocado vivir para que no pierda su sentido".
April 6, 2023
Świetna ❤️ jednocześnie prosta i maksymalnie wciągająca, spokojna i przejmująca, z fantastycznie wykreowanymi bohaterkami. Nie spodziewałam się, że tak mi się spodoba
July 7, 2023
Pozostawiła mnie bez większych emocji oraz wrażeń, przez co szybko o niej zapomnę..
November 19, 2022
In acht Geschichten beschreiben Ich-Erzählerinnen das Leben im patriarchalen Korea. Es geht um Themen wie das Altern, Gewalt, die Arbeitswelt, Schriftstellererei, toxische Beziehungen oder Corona.
Cho Nam-Joo verwendet eine klare, teilweise sachliche Sprache. Dennoch baut sich keine Distanz auf. Durch die plastischen Beschreibungen ist man schnell sehr nah an den Figuren.
Das Buch beginnt mit einer Erzählung einer 80-Jährigen und endet mit einer Corona-Geschichte einer 10-Jährigen. Es bildet also nahezu alle Generationen ab.
Fast alle Erzählungen sind auf einem ähnlich hohen Niveau. Meine drei Favoriten sind "Die Nacht der Polarlichter", "Miss Kim weiss Bescheid" und "Lieber Hyunnam". Letzteres ist vermutlich meine Lieblingsgeschichte. Die Wahl fällt bei diesem großartigem Buch allerdings sehr schwer.
Cho Nam-Joo verwendet eine klare, teilweise sachliche Sprache. Dennoch baut sich keine Distanz auf. Durch die plastischen Beschreibungen ist man schnell sehr nah an den Figuren.
Das Buch beginnt mit einer Erzählung einer 80-Jährigen und endet mit einer Corona-Geschichte einer 10-Jährigen. Es bildet also nahezu alle Generationen ab.
Fast alle Erzählungen sind auf einem ähnlich hohen Niveau. Meine drei Favoriten sind "Die Nacht der Polarlichter", "Miss Kim weiss Bescheid" und "Lieber Hyunnam". Letzteres ist vermutlich meine Lieblingsgeschichte. Die Wahl fällt bei diesem großartigem Buch allerdings sehr schwer.
July 26, 2024
Una sorpresa muy grata. Después del éxito de Kim Ji-Young, nacida en 1982, un libro en donde me encantó el mensaje pero la ejecución no tanto, así que cuando supe que iban a traducir este sabía que tenía que leerlo pronto y sí que cumplió todas mis expectativas. Lo que yo criticaba de la obra anterior es que se sentía muy impersonal y sin un hilo fijo, pero aun así fue una historia importante que llegó a muchísimas personas. Por esto mismo no me sorprende que Cho Nam-Joo sea una genia para escribir relatos, este es su punto más fuerte, ya que esta vez sí sentí una conexión tan real a las diferentes situaciones que iba planteando, y un cuidado casi hermoso en la construcción breve de los personajes, todas mujeres de diferentes edades pero con similares experiencias y contextos. Aunque esté ambientado en Corea, en donde sabemos que el machismo y las injusticias hacia las mujeres es bastante más prevalente que en otros países, se siente de verdad que está hablando de una experiencia universal femenina, y (quizá esté siendo un poco subjetiva) a mí me llegaron bastantes algunas historias a nivel personal porque me hicieron pensar en las experiencias de las mujeres en mi familia, y en cómo las diferentes generaciones conviven unas con las otras. Otra cosa que me llamó la atención es que, como bien dice un personaje, las experiencias de una no son menos válidas que otras porque sean menos "traumáticas" y no significa que una no sufra lo que la vida le tiene por delante. Si vemos bien las situaciones más "graves" no están en sí en el foco de las historias pero vemos cómo otras mujeres que también tienen conflictos reflexionan sobre ellas. Es simplemente brillante cómo está todo planteado. Se nota de verdad que la autora escribe con la con conciencia pero también con el corazón. Mis favoritas fueron Bajo el ciruelo (me hizo llorar), Lo que sabe la señorita Kim y Noche de aurora boreal.
August 27, 2023
Geumju had raised her younger siblings on behalf of our poor parents, and made sure all five of her children were fed and educated enough by working tirelessly with no help from her incompetent husband. Truly a cliché.
어려서는 가난한 부모 대신 동생들 뒷바라지하고, 결혼하고는 무능한 남편 몫까지 성실하게 일하며 다섯이나 되는 자식들을 모두 충분히 먹이고 가르친 사람. 사실은 너무 진부한 이야기.
Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories is the translation by Jamie Chang of the 2021 collection 우리가 쓴것 (literally: What we wrote) by 주만주 (Cho Nam-joo), and from the same author-translator team as Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 (original: 82년생 김지영).
The book contains 8 stories typically 20-25 pages each, written I believe between 2012 and 2021, ie either side of the publication of 82년생 김지영.
매화나무 아래 Under the Plum Tree
오기 Dead Set
가출 Runaway
미스 김은 알고 있다 Miss Kim Knows
현남 오빠에게 Dear Hyunnam Oppa
오로라의 밤 Night of Auroras
여자아이는 자라서 Grown-up Girl
첫사랑 2020 Puppy Love 2020
The highlight of the collection for me was the meta-fictional narrator of “Dead Set” with the narrator herself having written a novel rather like 82년생 김지영:
The novel wasn’t awfully progressive or radical, but it landed in the crosshairs of so many disputes. A middle-aged male actor read it, recommended it and was heralded as a feminist; while a young female radio-show host who introduced the book on her programme had to post a statement of clarification on social media, and then turned the account private when the attacks continued. I have to admit that this increased circulation and sales. Which gave rise to more disputes, more sales and even more disputes, in a cycle that was either vicious or advantageous – I can’t decide.
But alongside the abuse and controversy the author finds women tell her their stories:
Many women told me their stories. After lectures at libraries, before interviews, at book signings at the bookstore, and in snatched moments here and there. Not to seek an answer or advice, but because their experiences just spilled out of them. ‘See the tip of this thumb here? I lost it when I was working at the factory.’ ‘My mother’s raising my kid. I don’t know if that was the right ‘See the tip of this thumb here? I lost it when I was working at the factory.’ ‘My mother’s raising my kid. I don’t know if that was the right decision.’ ‘I’m from Vietnam. My Korean no good.’ ‘I reported a #MeToo incident.’ And many others. We thanked each other. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for reading it. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for coming.
Another highlight is the #metoo type themed story Grown-up Girl. The narrator’s mother was an early campaigner against domestic abuse:
Mother was a woman who, nearly thirty years ago, founded a domestic violence counselling centre in an utterly conservative small city. On the day she and her co-founder put up the sign ‘Domestic Violence Counselling Centre’ on the tiny office they rented out of their own pockets, they had a steady stream of middle-aged male visitors–some accusing them of tarnishing the good name of their fine city by making ridiculous claims that husbands still beat their wives, others warning them to stay out of other people’s business. Surprisingly, none of them were drunk and no one swore or broke things. They simply believed beyond doubt that they were right, and were there to kindly let the ignorant women know that they were making a huge mistake.
And she herself carried on the work, but when her daughter is caught up in accusations against a boy she finds herself relaying concerns from the boy’s mother, a friend of hers, that this could unfairly impact his career:
Juha scoffed and said, ‘Sure, twenty years ago. And now you’ve become the kind of person who says boys are stupid, you gotta go easy on them. Secretly taking pictures and giggling is just harmless messing around. You have turned into the kind of ignorant person who says girls are seducing boys to sabotage their grades. Mum, you badly need a software upgrade.’
And Puppy Love 2020 is, as the title suggests, a story of first love interrupted by Covid:
It was masks. Five KF94 mediums. Seoyeon’s hands shook as if she’d been presented with an engagement ring.
This is a well written question but rather less distinctive than 82년생 김지영 with its innovative use of footnotes and statistics, and much less culturally impactful. 3.5 stars
어려서는 가난한 부모 대신 동생들 뒷바라지하고, 결혼하고는 무능한 남편 몫까지 성실하게 일하며 다섯이나 되는 자식들을 모두 충분히 먹이고 가르친 사람. 사실은 너무 진부한 이야기.
Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories is the translation by Jamie Chang of the 2021 collection 우리가 쓴것 (literally: What we wrote) by 주만주 (Cho Nam-joo), and from the same author-translator team as Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 (original: 82년생 김지영).
The book contains 8 stories typically 20-25 pages each, written I believe between 2012 and 2021, ie either side of the publication of 82년생 김지영.
매화나무 아래 Under the Plum Tree
오기 Dead Set
가출 Runaway
미스 김은 알고 있다 Miss Kim Knows
현남 오빠에게 Dear Hyunnam Oppa
오로라의 밤 Night of Auroras
여자아이는 자라서 Grown-up Girl
첫사랑 2020 Puppy Love 2020
The highlight of the collection for me was the meta-fictional narrator of “Dead Set” with the narrator herself having written a novel rather like 82년생 김지영:
The novel wasn’t awfully progressive or radical, but it landed in the crosshairs of so many disputes. A middle-aged male actor read it, recommended it and was heralded as a feminist; while a young female radio-show host who introduced the book on her programme had to post a statement of clarification on social media, and then turned the account private when the attacks continued. I have to admit that this increased circulation and sales. Which gave rise to more disputes, more sales and even more disputes, in a cycle that was either vicious or advantageous – I can’t decide.
But alongside the abuse and controversy the author finds women tell her their stories:
Many women told me their stories. After lectures at libraries, before interviews, at book signings at the bookstore, and in snatched moments here and there. Not to seek an answer or advice, but because their experiences just spilled out of them. ‘See the tip of this thumb here? I lost it when I was working at the factory.’ ‘My mother’s raising my kid. I don’t know if that was the right ‘See the tip of this thumb here? I lost it when I was working at the factory.’ ‘My mother’s raising my kid. I don’t know if that was the right decision.’ ‘I’m from Vietnam. My Korean no good.’ ‘I reported a #MeToo incident.’ And many others. We thanked each other. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for reading it. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for coming.
Another highlight is the #metoo type themed story Grown-up Girl. The narrator’s mother was an early campaigner against domestic abuse:
Mother was a woman who, nearly thirty years ago, founded a domestic violence counselling centre in an utterly conservative small city. On the day she and her co-founder put up the sign ‘Domestic Violence Counselling Centre’ on the tiny office they rented out of their own pockets, they had a steady stream of middle-aged male visitors–some accusing them of tarnishing the good name of their fine city by making ridiculous claims that husbands still beat their wives, others warning them to stay out of other people’s business. Surprisingly, none of them were drunk and no one swore or broke things. They simply believed beyond doubt that they were right, and were there to kindly let the ignorant women know that they were making a huge mistake.
And she herself carried on the work, but when her daughter is caught up in accusations against a boy she finds herself relaying concerns from the boy’s mother, a friend of hers, that this could unfairly impact his career:
Juha scoffed and said, ‘Sure, twenty years ago. And now you’ve become the kind of person who says boys are stupid, you gotta go easy on them. Secretly taking pictures and giggling is just harmless messing around. You have turned into the kind of ignorant person who says girls are seducing boys to sabotage their grades. Mum, you badly need a software upgrade.’
And Puppy Love 2020 is, as the title suggests, a story of first love interrupted by Covid:
It was masks. Five KF94 mediums. Seoyeon’s hands shook as if she’d been presented with an engagement ring.
This is a well written question but rather less distinctive than 82년생 김지영 with its innovative use of footnotes and statistics, and much less culturally impactful. 3.5 stars
April 22, 2023
4,5 Sterne
Ich kann ohne zu Zögern sagen, dass Cho Nam Joo mittlerweile eine meiner liebsten Autorinnen ist. Diese kleine Sammlung an Kurzgeschichten hat wieder einmal einen Einblick in ihre Perspektive von der koreanischen Gesellschaft gegeben und sie hat sogar einen Versuch gestartet ihren eigenen Erfolg mit ihrem vorherigen Buch "Kim Jiyoung geboren 1982" zu reflektieren. Die Themen sind wieder ganz verschieden. Einmal ging es darum, wie es ist in der koreanischen Gesellschaft alt zu sein. Es ging um das Arbeitsleben. Beziehungen. Und vor allem die Problematik als Frau in dieser Gesellschaft zu leben. Oftmals waren es schockierende Geschichten, die doch auch hier in Deutschland passieren können. Alles in allem aber einfach wieder toll geschrieben und sie hat die Form der Kurzgeschichte perfekt umgesetzt.
Ich empfehle zuerst Kim Jiyoung zu lesen, weil ihre Reflektion von dem Buch dann viel besser seine Wirkung entfaltet, aber auch dieses Buch ist eine Empfehlung und ich freue mich schon auf den angekündigten Nachschub im Herbstprogramm!
Ich kann ohne zu Zögern sagen, dass Cho Nam Joo mittlerweile eine meiner liebsten Autorinnen ist. Diese kleine Sammlung an Kurzgeschichten hat wieder einmal einen Einblick in ihre Perspektive von der koreanischen Gesellschaft gegeben und sie hat sogar einen Versuch gestartet ihren eigenen Erfolg mit ihrem vorherigen Buch "Kim Jiyoung geboren 1982" zu reflektieren. Die Themen sind wieder ganz verschieden. Einmal ging es darum, wie es ist in der koreanischen Gesellschaft alt zu sein. Es ging um das Arbeitsleben. Beziehungen. Und vor allem die Problematik als Frau in dieser Gesellschaft zu leben. Oftmals waren es schockierende Geschichten, die doch auch hier in Deutschland passieren können. Alles in allem aber einfach wieder toll geschrieben und sie hat die Form der Kurzgeschichte perfekt umgesetzt.
Ich empfehle zuerst Kim Jiyoung zu lesen, weil ihre Reflektion von dem Buch dann viel besser seine Wirkung entfaltet, aber auch dieses Buch ist eine Empfehlung und ich freue mich schon auf den angekündigten Nachschub im Herbstprogramm!
January 1, 2024
So I rush-read this to complete the reading challenge, obviously. But also… because I was bored. Seriously, I feel so bad saying that because these stories of the daily lives of women in a very patriarchal society are so important to be told… but I just didn’t like this. I liked her very simple writing style in Kim Jiyoung, but here I felt like it left a lot to be desired.
The short stories were of an odd lenght and conveyed either too much or too little. My favorite was Runaway, a story about a father who leaves his family in old age told through bank receipts. That was creative and I empathized with the family. But the rest… I don’t know. They were all so-so. Also… one of the stories were a clear self-insert about the auhtor and the reception Kim Jiyoung received in Korea. It was interesting, but maybe better suited for an article? But I will probably still continue to read Cho Nam-joo though. I know she can do something great again.
The short stories were of an odd lenght and conveyed either too much or too little. My favorite was Runaway, a story about a father who leaves his family in old age told through bank receipts. That was creative and I empathized with the family. But the rest… I don’t know. They were all so-so. Also… one of the stories were a clear self-insert about the auhtor and the reception Kim Jiyoung received in Korea. It was interesting, but maybe better suited for an article? But I will probably still continue to read Cho Nam-joo though. I know she can do something great again.
April 11, 2023
To napisane zgrabnie proste historie. Ich moc jednak tkwi w budowie bohaterów. Psychicznym dopracowaniu i włożeniu w dane okoliczności. Autorka porusza ważne problemy rodzinne czy te bezpośrednio dotyczące kobiet i robi to DOBRZE. Każdy rozdział to osobna historia, która na małej przestrzeni mieści w sobie wiele. A to OGROMNY atut. Największym minusem jest natomiast tłumaczenie, które nie jest bezpośrednio z koreańskiego, na czym każda książka traci duszę autora 💔
March 6, 2025
Cuentos (largos) de cotidianidad koreana. Aprendí un montón sobre su cultura, pero los relatos son muy diferentes de la narración occidental. No encontré clímax o desenlaces potentes, todo iba en la misma cadencia.
August 12, 2023
3,5
(Rezensionsexemplar)
Ausführung folgt
(Rezensionsexemplar)
Ausführung folgt
October 17, 2022
In "Miss Kim weiß Bescheid" erzählen sieben koreanische Frauen verschiedenen Alters ihre Geschichten. Es wird vor allem die patriarchalen Struktur der Gesellschaft kritisiert.
Durch die sehr unterschiedlichen Geschichten wird sehr gut gezeigt, wie unterdrückend ein von Männern geprägtes und kontrolliertes System ist. Dabei muss nicht immer eine Frau halb zu Tode geprügelt werden. Es sind die kleinen Ungerechtigkeiten im Alltag, die schon zur Verzweiflung führen können.
Mir hat sehr der feine, authentische Erzählstil gefallen. Die Stimmen der Vorleserinnen passen richtig gut zum zurückhaltenden, südkoreanischen Stil.
Die sieben Geschichten sind wirklich sehr unterschiedlich und jede ist auf ihre Art interessant und lehrreich.
Durch die sehr unterschiedlichen Geschichten wird sehr gut gezeigt, wie unterdrückend ein von Männern geprägtes und kontrolliertes System ist. Dabei muss nicht immer eine Frau halb zu Tode geprügelt werden. Es sind die kleinen Ungerechtigkeiten im Alltag, die schon zur Verzweiflung führen können.
Mir hat sehr der feine, authentische Erzählstil gefallen. Die Stimmen der Vorleserinnen passen richtig gut zum zurückhaltenden, südkoreanischen Stil.
Die sieben Geschichten sind wirklich sehr unterschiedlich und jede ist auf ihre Art interessant und lehrreich.
July 23, 2024
“Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories” by Cho Nam-Joo, translated by Jamie Chang is a collection of stories that details aspects of the lives of women in South Korea. However, each story is transcendent. I found a piece of myself in all of the stories in Cho’s work. From longing to go on the trip you always wanted to, to desiring to be your own person, there are so many relatable stories in this novel. This is particularly because each story follows an average person. Some stories are heavier than others, but all stories left an impact on me and caused me to consider society as a whole.
Thank you to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2023
3.5/5
October 10, 2022
Mit seinen zahlreichen Zahlenangaben und Quellenhinweisen wirkte Cho Nam-Joos Roman „Kim Jiyoung, geboren 1982“ streckenweise wie eine sozialwissenschaftliche Arbeit zur Lage koreanischer Frauen. Daher war ich sehr neugierig, ob auch ihre Kurzgeschichten im Fakten-Fiktion-Mix verfasst sein würden. Handwerklich ausgefeilt zeigt die Autorin jedoch nach allen Regeln der Kunst in jeder Story einen Ausschnitt aus dem Alltag von Mädchen und Frauen zwischen 10 und 80 Jahren, erzählt in der Ichform.
In „Unter dem Pflaumenbaum“ treffen wir Dongju, die noch nicht einmal einen eigenen Vornamen wert war, sondern als „letzte Tochter“ dem Aberglauben ihrer Mutter zu dienen hatte, die später prompt zwei Söhne gebar. Nachdem sie als Jugendliche ihre Geschwister aufgezogen hatte, ertrug sie das Joch ihre enttäuschenden Ehe, unterstützte ihre Schwester und betreute schließlich ihr Enkelkind. Schicksale wie Dongjus, das Joch der Pflichten von ihrer Mutter nach unten durchgereicht zu bekommen und auch im Alter daran gekettet zu bleiben, ziehen sich durch alle 8 Kurzgeschichten. Die Hauptfiguren sind nicht etwa klassische Hausfrauen, unter deren Dach erwachsene Söhne wieder zu Kindern werden, da Männer ja nicht aufräumen und putzen können, sondern auch junge, berufstätige Frauen.
In „Trotz“ lernen wir eine erfolgreiche Autorin kennen, die mit einer ehemaligen Lehrerin einen juristischen Streit um eine Roman-Idee auszufechten hatte. Heute ist sie als Mutter aller Feministinnen verschrien und Ziel von Hasskommentaren in den sozialen Medien - weil sie über Frauen in patriarchalischen Strukturen schreibt. In „Weggelaufen“ hebt ein 72jähriger Familienvater, der im Arbeitsleben nicht einen Tag gefehlt hatte, sein gesamtes Vermögen ab und verschwindet. Endlich will er tun, was ihn interessiert. Er lässt eine lebensuntüchtige Frau zurück, die sich ihm in allen Fragen unterworfen hatte, freiwillig, wie er behaupten würde. Miss Kim aus der titelgebenden Erzählung ähnelt verblüffend Figuren, die in hierarchischen Strukturen zwar nicht für ihre Bedürfnisse einstehen können, aber mit der „Rache des Archivars“ bei ihrem Abgang ein heilloses Durcheinander hinterlassen, das Chefs und Kollegen so bald nicht vergessen werden.
In „Lieber Hyunnan“ kämpft sich die Erzählerin aus der toxischen Beziehung mit einem Kontrollfreak, dem sie leichtsinnig sämtliche Entscheidungen über ihr Leben überlassen hatte. „Nacht der Polarlichter“ stellt uns eine fast 60-Jährige und ihre Schwiegermutter vor, die gegen das Tabu verstoßen, dass eine Koreanerin nicht mit ihrer Schwiegermutter befreundet sein darf - und vor allem nicht ihr Alter frei von Care-Arbeit genießen. „Große Mädchen“ zeigt die Probleme einer Tochter auf, deren Mutter ihr Leben lang für Frauenrechte aktiv war und im hohen Alter doch in die Falle der Care-Arbeit tappt, die heruntergereicht wird, bis es keinen Widerspruch mehr gibt.
Wir erleben nicht nur Korea-typischen Konflikte, sondern sie sind „nicht annähernd so weit von uns weg, wie wir meinen und hoffen“, stellt die Autorin im Nachwort treffend fest. Cho Nam-Joo zeigt beispielhaft, wie in den Industriestaaten gerade der Generationenvertrag gekündigt wird, indem die Care-Arbeit (z. B. durch unzureichende staatliche Kinderbetreuung) wieder als privates Problem definiert wird. Gestresste Väter sind ohnehin nicht verfügbar, Mütter hetzen sich zwischen Kita und weiteren Babysittern ab. Die Frauen jedoch, die am Ende einspringen, werden im Alter niemanden mehr haben, der sie pflegt. Patriarchalische Strukturen und toxische Beziehungen breiten sich aus, wo Frauen ihnen Raum bieten, das wird in diesen Geschichten deutlich
In „Unter dem Pflaumenbaum“ treffen wir Dongju, die noch nicht einmal einen eigenen Vornamen wert war, sondern als „letzte Tochter“ dem Aberglauben ihrer Mutter zu dienen hatte, die später prompt zwei Söhne gebar. Nachdem sie als Jugendliche ihre Geschwister aufgezogen hatte, ertrug sie das Joch ihre enttäuschenden Ehe, unterstützte ihre Schwester und betreute schließlich ihr Enkelkind. Schicksale wie Dongjus, das Joch der Pflichten von ihrer Mutter nach unten durchgereicht zu bekommen und auch im Alter daran gekettet zu bleiben, ziehen sich durch alle 8 Kurzgeschichten. Die Hauptfiguren sind nicht etwa klassische Hausfrauen, unter deren Dach erwachsene Söhne wieder zu Kindern werden, da Männer ja nicht aufräumen und putzen können, sondern auch junge, berufstätige Frauen.
In „Trotz“ lernen wir eine erfolgreiche Autorin kennen, die mit einer ehemaligen Lehrerin einen juristischen Streit um eine Roman-Idee auszufechten hatte. Heute ist sie als Mutter aller Feministinnen verschrien und Ziel von Hasskommentaren in den sozialen Medien - weil sie über Frauen in patriarchalischen Strukturen schreibt. In „Weggelaufen“ hebt ein 72jähriger Familienvater, der im Arbeitsleben nicht einen Tag gefehlt hatte, sein gesamtes Vermögen ab und verschwindet. Endlich will er tun, was ihn interessiert. Er lässt eine lebensuntüchtige Frau zurück, die sich ihm in allen Fragen unterworfen hatte, freiwillig, wie er behaupten würde. Miss Kim aus der titelgebenden Erzählung ähnelt verblüffend Figuren, die in hierarchischen Strukturen zwar nicht für ihre Bedürfnisse einstehen können, aber mit der „Rache des Archivars“ bei ihrem Abgang ein heilloses Durcheinander hinterlassen, das Chefs und Kollegen so bald nicht vergessen werden.
In „Lieber Hyunnan“ kämpft sich die Erzählerin aus der toxischen Beziehung mit einem Kontrollfreak, dem sie leichtsinnig sämtliche Entscheidungen über ihr Leben überlassen hatte. „Nacht der Polarlichter“ stellt uns eine fast 60-Jährige und ihre Schwiegermutter vor, die gegen das Tabu verstoßen, dass eine Koreanerin nicht mit ihrer Schwiegermutter befreundet sein darf - und vor allem nicht ihr Alter frei von Care-Arbeit genießen. „Große Mädchen“ zeigt die Probleme einer Tochter auf, deren Mutter ihr Leben lang für Frauenrechte aktiv war und im hohen Alter doch in die Falle der Care-Arbeit tappt, die heruntergereicht wird, bis es keinen Widerspruch mehr gibt.
Wir erleben nicht nur Korea-typischen Konflikte, sondern sie sind „nicht annähernd so weit von uns weg, wie wir meinen und hoffen“, stellt die Autorin im Nachwort treffend fest. Cho Nam-Joo zeigt beispielhaft, wie in den Industriestaaten gerade der Generationenvertrag gekündigt wird, indem die Care-Arbeit (z. B. durch unzureichende staatliche Kinderbetreuung) wieder als privates Problem definiert wird. Gestresste Väter sind ohnehin nicht verfügbar, Mütter hetzen sich zwischen Kita und weiteren Babysittern ab. Die Frauen jedoch, die am Ende einspringen, werden im Alter niemanden mehr haben, der sie pflegt. Patriarchalische Strukturen und toxische Beziehungen breiten sich aus, wo Frauen ihnen Raum bieten, das wird in diesen Geschichten deutlich
December 30, 2024
Preciosos cuentos
December 15, 2024
„Wpatruję się w okno i myślę o tym, ile czasu mi zostało i czy niedługo przyjdzie mi żałować wszystkich zmarnowanych chwil.”
Piękna i poruszająca, potrzebuje więcej tych opowiadań.
Piękna i poruszająca, potrzebuje więcej tych opowiadań.
September 28, 2023
Quiet, mundane and celebrates women in every form. Be it in girlhood, motherhood, old age , in different stages of life and different circumstances; its a portrayal of strength and resilience with the kindness and warmth that can only be provided by a woman. Its a collection of short stories that is a reflection of society in different stages of life, some coming with their own circumstances and going through the complex relationships between parent, child and sibling. Its the story of braveness to fight violence with grace and flair, and its a collection that I will definitely remember for a very long time.
Miss Kim Knows is a collection of 8 short stories that varies throughout. There is no story that is similar with another, and I had loved how that the messages from each stories are almost subtle and yet it leaves a mark after finishing each one. I liked how Miss Cho Nam Joo is still staying true with her "Me-Too Movement" whilst making each story has different voices throughout. Each story has their own strengths and for me, it made a pretty solid collection. Lowkey, my ratings for each story is all above 4🌟 and that is definitely saying something :')
Some of my thoughts for each story:
1. Under The Plum Tree - 4.85🌟
Of old age, sisterhood and parts and parcels of ageing and growing old and being a caretaker. Its of motherhood in a different form, the portrayal of complex relationship between families and the love of sisters. I cried for this one. It honestly took me by surprise how much I appreciated the first story.
2. Dead Set - 4🌟
This one had an unreliable narrator but it was definitely one that was almost ironic in its own way. We go through a writer who is labeled a "feminist" handling her "antis". There were parts that got me "lol-ing" but I somewhat enjoyed this. A tad weird and confusing but still good.
3. Runaway - 4.25🌟
This one was just sad. It left us the readers to wonder who is at fault. Also ironic how one family goes away but then the rest of the family got closer. Its the portrayal of a complex relationship between families and how resilient someone can be.
4. Miss Kim Knows - 4.75🌟
Lowkey this one had me chuckling so much. Its a depiction of female-in-rage, but making it subtle and quiet. The injustice and blatant discrimination in the workplace is one that is not uncommon in our world nowadays and I love that its always highlighted in stories. I also loved how Cho Nam Joo wrote on the hardships of youth to survive in a cut-throat world. This one was definitely entertaining at best.
5. Dear Hyunnam Oppa - 4.85🌟
Another example of what women in rage and fed up with your bs can do. The story is written in a letter form and good lord I was SATISFIED AF after finishing this. Its a story of a woman with constant discrimination and gaslighting that she had to endure from her boyfriend and good lord I was so frustrated reading this but it felt LIBERATING when this story ended. **cues song edit : How I Love Being A Woman**
6. Night of Aurora - ∞🌟
By far my FAVOURITE from this collection . Its told in such a mundane way and yet, the dreams and aspirations, the feelings of being a woman. The need and liberation when you wanted to wish for something and the relationship of women across generations. I love this with all my heart and I just bawled my heart out. I want to go see the aurora too.
7. Grown-Up Girl - 4.85🌟
A story that is a definition of "celebrating womens wrongs and womens rights." Lowkey can't even be mad because the girl had did something that requires braveness and I for one applauded her for it.
8. Puppy Love 2020 - 4.25🌟
This story got me AWWWWW ://// at every few pages. Its a portrayal of innocence in the midst of uncertainty and the hardships that comes with having going through the big emotions.
Overall, I had enjoyed this collection of short stories very much. Its a story of women in various voices. Its a story of family relationships. Its a story of discrimination and violence that reflects the real society. But all in all, its a story that is a story of liberation.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟 overall
Thank you to @Definitelybooks for this copy!
"I lived for this moment. I am alive in this moment, this place, this way."
Miss Kim Knows is a collection of 8 short stories that varies throughout. There is no story that is similar with another, and I had loved how that the messages from each stories are almost subtle and yet it leaves a mark after finishing each one. I liked how Miss Cho Nam Joo is still staying true with her "Me-Too Movement" whilst making each story has different voices throughout. Each story has their own strengths and for me, it made a pretty solid collection. Lowkey, my ratings for each story is all above 4🌟 and that is definitely saying something :')
Some of my thoughts for each story:
1. Under The Plum Tree - 4.85🌟
Of old age, sisterhood and parts and parcels of ageing and growing old and being a caretaker. Its of motherhood in a different form, the portrayal of complex relationship between families and the love of sisters. I cried for this one. It honestly took me by surprise how much I appreciated the first story.
2. Dead Set - 4🌟
This one had an unreliable narrator but it was definitely one that was almost ironic in its own way. We go through a writer who is labeled a "feminist" handling her "antis". There were parts that got me "lol-ing" but I somewhat enjoyed this. A tad weird and confusing but still good.
3. Runaway - 4.25🌟
This one was just sad. It left us the readers to wonder who is at fault. Also ironic how one family goes away but then the rest of the family got closer. Its the portrayal of a complex relationship between families and how resilient someone can be.
4. Miss Kim Knows - 4.75🌟
Lowkey this one had me chuckling so much. Its a depiction of female-in-rage, but making it subtle and quiet. The injustice and blatant discrimination in the workplace is one that is not uncommon in our world nowadays and I love that its always highlighted in stories. I also loved how Cho Nam Joo wrote on the hardships of youth to survive in a cut-throat world. This one was definitely entertaining at best.
5. Dear Hyunnam Oppa - 4.85🌟
Another example of what women in rage and fed up with your bs can do. The story is written in a letter form and good lord I was SATISFIED AF after finishing this. Its a story of a woman with constant discrimination and gaslighting that she had to endure from her boyfriend and good lord I was so frustrated reading this but it felt LIBERATING when this story ended. **cues song edit : How I Love Being A Woman**
6. Night of Aurora - ∞🌟
By far my FAVOURITE from this collection . Its told in such a mundane way and yet, the dreams and aspirations, the feelings of being a woman. The need and liberation when you wanted to wish for something and the relationship of women across generations. I love this with all my heart and I just bawled my heart out. I want to go see the aurora too.
7. Grown-Up Girl - 4.85🌟
A story that is a definition of "celebrating womens wrongs and womens rights." Lowkey can't even be mad because the girl had did something that requires braveness and I for one applauded her for it.
8. Puppy Love 2020 - 4.25🌟
This story got me AWWWWW ://// at every few pages. Its a portrayal of innocence in the midst of uncertainty and the hardships that comes with having going through the big emotions.
Overall, I had enjoyed this collection of short stories very much. Its a story of women in various voices. Its a story of family relationships. Its a story of discrimination and violence that reflects the real society. But all in all, its a story that is a story of liberation.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟 overall
Thank you to @Definitelybooks for this copy!
September 1, 2023
Con este recopilación de relatos, Cho Nam-Joo vuelve a exponer una vez más el machismo, el sexismo y la misoginia de la sociedad de Corea del Sur.
Esta vez, son ocho relatos independientes protagonizados por distintas mujeres de rangos de edad variables (de los 10 hasta los 80 años). Se presentan también multitud de situaciones a las que esas niñas, jóvenes, adultas y ancianas sufren por el mero hecho de ser mujeres. Aunque cada capítulo tenga un tema central y una protagonista, en muchas ocasiones hay otros personajes femeninos a través de los que se narran experiencias diferentes a la perspectiva principal.
Quizás como iba menos a ciegas tras leer Kim Jiyoung, born in 1982, me ha sorprendido e impactado menos. Pero la rabia, la impotencia y sobre todo, que las situaciones que viven las surcoreanas no son tan ajenas a las experiencias de mujeres en otras partes del mundo, siguen estando tan presentes en este libro como en el anterior.
Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories completa a la perfección el mensaje de Kim Jiyoung, born in 1982, dándole visibilidad a las mujeres de Corea del Sur y a su realidad.
Esta vez, son ocho relatos independientes protagonizados por distintas mujeres de rangos de edad variables (de los 10 hasta los 80 años). Se presentan también multitud de situaciones a las que esas niñas, jóvenes, adultas y ancianas sufren por el mero hecho de ser mujeres. Aunque cada capítulo tenga un tema central y una protagonista, en muchas ocasiones hay otros personajes femeninos a través de los que se narran experiencias diferentes a la perspectiva principal.
Quizás como iba menos a ciegas tras leer Kim Jiyoung, born in 1982, me ha sorprendido e impactado menos. Pero la rabia, la impotencia y sobre todo, que las situaciones que viven las surcoreanas no son tan ajenas a las experiencias de mujeres en otras partes del mundo, siguen estando tan presentes en este libro como en el anterior.
Miss Kim Knows and Other Stories completa a la perfección el mensaje de Kim Jiyoung, born in 1982, dándole visibilidad a las mujeres de Corea del Sur y a su realidad.
April 21, 2023
Ciekawy, momentami zabawny zbiór opowiadań, na pewno bardziej lekkostrawny niż powieść o Kim Jiyoung (swoją drogą też naprawdę dobra, ale zdecydowanie trudniejsza).
Autorka ze szczerością i zaangażowaniem, ale bez zbędnego nadęcia, prezentuje szerokie spektrum konwenansów dotyczących kobiet w koreańskim społeczeństwie.
Opowiadania, mimo poruszanego tematu, czyta się naprawdę lekko, bo w większości są utrzymane w konwencji raczej obyczajowej (wyjątkiem jest tytułowe opowiadanie, które w humorystyczny sposób nawiązuje do kryminału - jest świetne!). To co mi się nie podoba to jednoznacznie negatywny obraz mężczyzn, jednak rozumiem, że możemy mieć inne doświadczania życiowe, a te historie mogą być własnym głosem autorki.
Książka niestety jest przekładem pośrednim, z angielskiego. Choć tłumaczenie jest zrealizowane naprawdę dobrze, ja jednak życzyłabym sobie, aby doceniano tłumaczy z języków azjatyckich.
Autorka ze szczerością i zaangażowaniem, ale bez zbędnego nadęcia, prezentuje szerokie spektrum konwenansów dotyczących kobiet w koreańskim społeczeństwie.
Opowiadania, mimo poruszanego tematu, czyta się naprawdę lekko, bo w większości są utrzymane w konwencji raczej obyczajowej (wyjątkiem jest tytułowe opowiadanie, które w humorystyczny sposób nawiązuje do kryminału - jest świetne!). To co mi się nie podoba to jednoznacznie negatywny obraz mężczyzn, jednak rozumiem, że możemy mieć inne doświadczania życiowe, a te historie mogą być własnym głosem autorki.
Książka niestety jest przekładem pośrednim, z angielskiego. Choć tłumaczenie jest zrealizowane naprawdę dobrze, ja jednak życzyłabym sobie, aby doceniano tłumaczy z języków azjatyckich.
June 22, 2024
3,5⭐️
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