8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster

Hoo boy. If you survived watching Red Sparrow, I think you can handle reading this book. That being said...

Lee gets full marks in writing quality for managing to make an eminently readable book despite truly harrowing subject matter. Recounting events surrounding Korean experience beginning in World War II and the Korean War, the tragic history of a split country is told here primarily by focusing on violence against women and the lengths women have to go to to make better lives for themselves. There are, suprise, surprise, two trickster figures (not mythological, there is NO fantasy element here) present in the narrative, who evoke admiration for their strength and cunning. While I can appreciate murderous vengeance, and am starting to think I need to look up more traditional spy novels, I also have to confirm yet again that I have a rough time with books heavily featuring themes of sexual assault and abuse. I think the choice to switch POVs for a couple of the 'lives' encountered added to the storytelling, and I can understand why the lives were not told in order. I can see some readers being baffled at the detour and length of the '7th life' but it adds to the overall story. I would happily read other works told in this format. I would consider reading from this author again, as long as I was forewarned about how dark the premise/content might be. ⚠️child abuse, domestic abuse, SA, slavery, suicide