Mixed feelings for this book. I liked following Dam and Gu’s story, but I was a bit thrown off by the cannibalism metaphor for love throughout the book. Dam and Gu’s bond is very unsettling and had an interesting dynamic, however I couldn’t feel connected to them, as I didn’t really get the obsession they had for each other, which didn’t feel very grounded. The writing was unusual, but it was welcomed. The dual point of view is definitely the strong point of this book, and it helped (a little) filling the underwhelming sense I had regarding the plot. Not a groundbreaking read for me, but it was pleasant discovering Choi Jin-Young’s writing (and Soje’s translation)!

Truly heartbreaking, and at the same time powerful. As a woman, it feels like a warning and pat on the shoulder at the same time. Beware. Don’t forget about yourself. You’re not alone. This book is definitely a need for anyone who wants (and needs) to understand gender injustices and inequalities better. 100% recommended!

DNF at 28%

I was genuinely excited about this book after reading The Once and Future Witches some time ago, but it just didn’t click for me. I didn’t connect with the writing style, which felt too “much.” Yes, Harrow writes beautifully, but it was a bit too flowery, and I easily got lost in the details. I couldn’t relate to the characters; the worldbuilding showed promise but was hard to grasp. Also, nearly 30% in and I still have no idea how the plot will unfold? That’s the main flaw of this book, in my opinion. If the stakes had been clearer after 50 pages, perhaps it would have fared better.

What can be said about this book, apart from the most obvious: it is both brutal and real. Artem Chapeye's careful words convey the profound turning point in his life on February 24, 2022. This poignant and honest account compels us to confront a challenging reality: nowadays, we are not the bravest in this world. And we owe everything to the courageous men and women fighting on the front lines in Ukraine (I'm pretty sure Chapeye would dismive my use of the word 'courageous', arguing there's nothing brave in fighting for your survival; but I want to use it, because I doubt anyone in the West would be ready to leave their lives behind to fight for their country). Through his writing, Chapeye captures the pain of injustice and the weight of disappointment while depicting this new reality with humility and compassion for others.

Regardless of your background or ‘opinion’ on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I encourage you to read this book. Let these words inspire you and honour those who have fallen and those who are still standing, fighting to defend democracy in this unpredictable world.