[This Week's Novels] "Fedelta" and More

Fedelta

This novel follows a married couple as they are swayed by their own desires, prompting them to question the meaning of "faithfulness" and "loyalty." Carlo, who is drawn to his student after failing to achieve his dream of becoming a writer, and Margherita, who seeks self-affirmation through her own transgressions, reveal the contradictory psychology of modern people. Winner of the Strega Giovani Prize and adapted into a Netflix drama, this work reminds us of the true conditions for happiness, especially for those who mistake tranquility for boredom. (Written by Marco Missiroli | Munhakdongne)

Coal Mining Village Sauna

The novel "Coal Mining Village Sauna" by Lee Inae, winner of the 9th Brunch Book Grand Prize, follows Minji's journey as she pursues the mystery hidden behind her mother's death in the declining coal mining village of Seolbaek. Through the fantasy elements of 30 million won buried in a sauna and talking soap bubbles, the story gently addresses the weighty themes of rural depopulation and community restoration. Set in a space infused with the scent of coffee and warmth, it tells a story of wounded people comforting each other, delivering a quiet sense of solace. (Written by Lee Inae | Yeollimwon)

Kill Your Darling

This novel depicts the story of Tom and Wendy, a couple married for 25 years, as they spiral toward ruin over a murder secret from their past. When Tom tries to write about the crime in a novel, Wendy decides to kill the person she loves most in order to achieve a complete life. Using a "reverse thriller" format that reveals the culprit and ending first before tracing back into the past, the book tensely follows the transformation of love into distrust and murderous intent. A bold suspense novel that explores questions of good and evil, guilt, and retribution. (Written by Peter Swanson | Pureunsoop)

Duplicate Compensation

Winner of the 8th Elixir Mystery Award, this novel investigates the insurance fraud suspicions surrounding the "Kang Sunja Death Case," which involves a 1.7 billion won life insurance payout. FM analyst Oh Gijun and eccentric chief investigator An Chaekwang team up to uncover the truth, exposing the desires and familial issues of various people. Inspired by a real-life contract killing, the novel combines a tense investigation with humor and warmth, raising questions about the boundaries between law, capital, and life. A true page-turner in the mystery genre. (Written by Min Ryeo | Elixir)

[Essay] Night of Quivering Notes

This is the first essay collection by poet Choi Jiin, winner of the Shin Dong-yup Literary Award. The book chronicles how the author endured moments of uncertainty over the past three years with the help of music, weaving together 35 songs by artists such as Yang Hee-eun, Kim Sawol, and Lee Sangeun. By reading the book while listening to music through QR codes, readers experience the poet's confession of responding to others' pain and refusing to let go of hope even amid failure and sorrow. It is a comforting collection that encourages readers to look at themselves and the world anew through music, offering solace for getting through the night. (Written by Choi Jiin | Hankyoreh Publishing)

[Essay] Empathy

This book is a microhistory that examines Korean society through the eyes of women, compiling essays published from 2009 to 2025. Centered on the theme of thinking from the perspective of others, it captures the boundaries of daily life and labor, fear and shame, life and death with lively yet profound prose. Praised by Shin Hyeongcheol as "the dance of lively prose," this book is both a record of reflection for an era where despair and hope coexist and a set of questions posed to those living in the present. (Written by Kim Minjeong | Nanda)