Let me be honest — it’s not your usual light weekend read. It moves slowly. It takes its time. But trust me when I say this: it will keep you hooked in its own quiet, simple way.

The story starts in a small fishing village in Korea with Sunja, and from there it moves forward through the choices she makes — choices which not only affect her present, but eventually alter the course of generations to come.

“The book travels through World War II and into the late 20th century, showing how time seeps slowly and, in its wake, leaves endless stories behind.”

Even though the story draws strength from its powerful women characters, it is definitely much more than just that. The author has very delicately, yet at the same time without any inhibition, worked with topics like discrimination, survival, family sacrifice, and how prejudice passed down through generations quietly shapes people’s choices and opportunities.

My favourite thing about the characters is that even though none of them felt heroic, all of them were equally real and vulnerable, fighting for their survival each day.

This is a must-read for those who enjoy the slow churn of history, layered character development, and emotional nuance. It’s a story about persistence and vulnerability — and about how our future is often deeply intertwined with our past.

If you’ve already read it, tell me your favorite lines. And if you’re planning to read it, here’s a quick link.

Some not exactly similar reads, but definitely good reads:

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini(personally recommended)

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

Happy reading😊