Bad Life/Unfortunate Life [불우한삶]
[Vol. 1 - 6]
Baek Nara's writing style is unparalleled to other stories with similar themes as Bad Life. Raymond Goodman, as the main character, makes you feel like he's guiding you through, which is a testament to her skill. Her masterful storytelling weaves thought-provoking themes and characters, and it has hooked me despite initial reservations and evoked strong emotions and investment.
Initially, Raymond's life seems simple: an unwanted child, abandoned and trapped among sociopathic high-class individuals. But there's more to his birth and entanglement with Jerome, Hugh, George, and Simon
Truthfully, there are more cruelty that Raymond will encounter so I suggest you take a break if you can't take it anymore because it takes a rough road to get to his chosen destination.
Baek Nara explores cruelty and power abuse through Raymond's eyes, leaving you pondering the harsh realities. The 'dog/pet and master' motif illustrates gruesome consequences. The Donwell family's dynamics are disturbing, tormenting Jerome, Simon, George, Christopher, Raymond, and others.
This novel undeniably deserves a lot of attention. It has its own manhwa adaptation, a Korean comic webtoon series. I hope it gets the audience and appreciation it deserves.
Go read (at your own risk) Bad Life 불우한삶
if you haven't yet.
PS. I'll add more once I'm done with this book.