The Life and Hard Times of a Korean Shaman: Of Tales and Telling Tales

by Laurel Kendall

Book by Kendall, Laurel

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Religion

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent introduction to ethnography, memoir and autobiography, as told by a female shaman and her anthropologist.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished an interesting book by an anthropologist who wrote down stories and life events of a Korean Shaman. It really hits home how people suffered during the war and how different the culture was then compared to today. I watch Korean drama a lot and food is a big aspect of how people converse and care for each other and after reading this I can see why. The spiritual side is very interesting as well though being a heathen I find it more of a coping mechanism for suffering.

[Kathleen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more than just an account of what it is like to be a mansin in Korea. The anthropologist works closely with Yongsu’s mother for an extended period of time and transcribes stories of her entire life. The most impactful events in her life are told through the lens of the mansin, who connects them to ancestral spirits, misfortune, and deities. The storytelling is done so in a way to relate these experience in how they all led to her destiny of becoming mansin, the ritual specialist (often referred to as shaman in western terms). Incredibly interesting to research and read after taking the Korean History class, and connecting the life experience of an individual to the lectures in class.

[Memisshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cool book and a very interesting story, but I felt like it wasn’t the type of book I was looking for in this moment when it comes to Korean Shamanism. I’ll probably read it again in the future because as of now I felt like I didn’t even read it. I honestly had different expectations, but it doesn’t mean it’s bad.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming. I wonder where the Mansin is now. She's probably passed away.

[LilithEmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biographical sketch of one particular mansin (Korean shaman) by Laurel Kendall, an American anthropologist and expert on Korean shamanism. A life history, this book examines Yongsu's Mother's life story and her particular telling of it. A good read for people interested in Korean life before, during and after the Korean war.

[Clifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating . . . if you're interested in Korean shamanism.

[Vivian Keh]

the author's interviews with this woman have been soooo useful.