Literally Leander discussion

Our first book of the year was June Hur's debut novel The Silence of Bones. Please be aware that there are some (major) spoilers for the book in this thread. Continue at your own risk!

This month, our discussion prompts were written by a staff member. If you're new to our group (welcome), please know that these are merely prompts for those of us that don't know what to say. Otherwise, any thoughts or questions pertaining to the book are welcome!

1. Within the first few pages, Seol relays advice given to her: “Do not stand out, do not be so curious, and you will have a long life.” What does this say about Seol’s role in life? How did Seol react to such advice? How would you respond?

2. How does the setting (1800, Joseon Korea) shape the story?

3. Inspector Han asks Seol which of the Confucian virtues (filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, trust, propriety, justice, integrity, and sense of shame) she possesses. Which of these virtues would you say is your greatest?

4. Describe Inspector Han. How does your perception of his character change over the course of the novel?

5. Were you shocked to discover that Inspector Han and Seol were brother and sister? Seol acknowledges that he is very different from her memories; why do you think that is?

6. Were you pleased with the way the novel ended? What do you see in the future for Seol?

I enjoyed this book for the most part! Like I said in my review of the book, at the time I was reading this I was on a historical kdrama kick. Many of those shows take place in the Joseon period, which was several hundred years (late 1300s to late 1800s.) Of course, dramas tend to be more focused on romantic comedies (at least the ones I've watched) and so are a little on the fluffier, lighthearted side.

One thing with this book is that I did struggle to get into it at first I thought Seol's narration was a bit on the stilted side, especially in the beginning, which made it hard to connect with her as a reader. All the same, I ended up liking her has a character, so there's some bonus points.

1. Within the first few pages, Seol relays advice given to her: “Do not stand out, do not be so curious, and you will have a long life.” What does this say about Seol’s role in life? How did Seol react to such advice? How would you respond?
As far back as Seol can remember, she's been a servant. She is part of the lower socioeconomic class, which is reflected in the "advice" she's given by her elders. Her duty as a servant is to remain in the shadows, never to be seen or heard, only to do a duty for her master. It seemed a bit like a warning; a servant can not afford to be curious or bold, not when they are simply there to serve.

I think it also reflects on Seol's gender. As is the case with many historical fictions, women were considered lesser than men, and therefore were not to stand out in any way that would reflect curiousity or intellect. Even highborn women were raised to be housewives and mothers, not detectives.

2. How does the setting (1800, Joseon Korea) shape the story?
Joseon, as I mentioned before, is a good chunk of Korean history. This story, set in 1800, is towards the tail end of the Joseon kingdom. Personally, being a kdrama watcher, I feel like I had the slightest advantage over those who know nothing about Korean history. (I will still admit that I do not know much at all.)

In some ways, Joseon was similar to that of other countries that American readers might be more familiar with. But of course there is a cultural element that many American readers will be unfamiliar with.

At the same time, much of the contemporary Korean culture can find some roots in the methods and mannerisms of those living in the Joseon dynasty (as per Wikipedia.) As someone who is interested in all of history, I would highly suggest that people read up on fascinating lives and legacies of those that came before us. Personally I knew very little of Korean history and was intrigued by what I've learned.