[This Week's Novels] "The Purpose of the Mother-of-Pearl Wardrobe" and More

The Purpose of the Mother-of-Pearl Wardrobe

This is the debut short story collection by novelist Ham Yooni, who was awarded in the 2022 Seoul Newspaper New Spring Literary Contest and received praise for her "stable prose and development, the unique charm of each character, and the space left for readers to fill with their own imagination." The collection features seven stories, including "By the River," "Angels," and "The Purpose of the Mother-of-Pearl Wardrobe," which won the 2023 Young Writers Award and has been well received by both critics and readers. Much like the "mother-of-pearl wardrobe" in the title story, which instantly transports those who enter it to the place they wish to reach, the collection opens with "The Purpose of the Mother-of-Pearl Wardrobe," inviting readers into Ham Yooni's captivating literary world. Her stories delicately portray scenes of people living together or sharing a season, experiencing meetings and farewells, and focus on the sentiment of "friendship"-leading readers to discover the "self" that should be cherished, through the affection of friends who value "me." (Written by Ham Yooni | Munhakdongne Publishing Group)

Emperor of Joy

This is the second novel by Ocean Vuong, who drew attention as the youngest-ever recipient of the T.S. Eliot Prize as a poet. Six years after his first novel "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous," which was an autobiographical narrative as a Vietnamese immigrant and queer individual, he returns with this new work. Set in the fictional city of East Gladness, the novel tells the poignant story of the friendship between Grazina, a grandmother suffering from Alzheimer's, and Hai, a boy who attempted to take his own life. Amid the collapse of the American Dream, the isolation of declining regions, longing for family, and the yearning to belong in American society, the youth wander in search of meaning. Ocean Vuong captures their experiences in poetic language, exploring personal pain and healing, as well as the restoration of family and community. (Written by Ocean Vuong | Influential Publishing)

Old Floating Clouds

This is a novella by Chinese author Can Xue, who is mentioned annually as a strong Nobel Prize in Literature contender. As one of her early works, it is praised for showcasing the writer's unique individuality and distinctive style. The story weaves a dreamlike narrative of anxiety, suspicion, and surveillance that emerges in the daily lives of two neighboring couples. The nameless characters remain wary of one another, anxious about being attacked, while the boundaries between reality, dreams, truth, and illusion become blurred. First published in 1986, the work is regarded as a poetic landscape of the end of the world, depicting the violence of the Cultural Revolution and human alienation. Though challenging, the world portrayed-addressing human hatred, helplessness, and disconnection-still resonates deeply with today's reality. (Written by Can Xue | Open Books)

Pavane for a Dead Princess

Set on the outskirts of Seoul in the 1980s, this novel tells the story of the friendship and love between an unattractive woman and two wounded young men. It delicately explores the inner lives of youths shaken by the overwhelming forces of appearance ideology and the capitalist system. Their relationship, which begins at a department store part-time job, goes beyond a simple romance, serving as a portrait of the vast majority who do not fit into the superficial standards of wealth and beauty, and as a chronicle of a generation striving to preserve their existence outside those boundaries. Originally serialized online in 2008, the novel has recently regained attention with the upcoming release of its film adaptation. (Written by Park Min-gyu | Wisdom House)

Sin, Love for Ten Thousand Years

This is a new mystery novel by popular Japanese author Shuichi Yoshida, revolving around a disappearance on an island isolated by a storm. Detective Ranpei unravels the secrets surrounding the mysterious gem "Love for Ten Thousand Years." As the tangled pasts of the characters gathered at the island mansion and an incident from 45 years ago come to light, the narrative evolves beyond simple deduction into a profound drama that questions the meaning of wounds, memories, and sin. The author's signature social perspective and experimental narrative techniques create an intense sense of immersion and lingering impact. (Written by Shuichi Yoshida | Eunhaengnamu Publishing)