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ukponge's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, War, Violence, Abandonment, and Domestic abuse
jayisreading's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
The Liberators was one of my most anticipated books of the year, especially because I absolutely adored Koh's memoir. Her writing remains beautiful with its poetic and sparseness, making every sentence meaningful and intentional. I thought the way she jumped between characters' perspectives worked really well (which I often find to be a hit-or-miss) to help move the story at a steady pace. I wouldn't have minded if the novel was longer, but it seems the decision to keep it under 250 pages was an intentional one that worked in Koh's favor.
I will say that the sparseness of Koh's prose might not be for everyone, and it may be especially dissatisfying for those who were hoping for more explanation/context than what she gives. I admit that this novel will make far more sense for those who have some knowledge of modern (South) Korean history and its ties to liberation, but Koh gives just enough to demonstrate the impact that history has had on the Korean diaspora, especially.
While I think I might have preferred Koh's memoir, The Liberators proved to be a strong debut novel that will work really well for some, while others may find that it will fall flat. For me, I initially had some mixed thoughts, only to find that sitting with the novel for a few days have made me really appreciate how everything unfolded across the pages.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Death, Emotional abuse, and Miscarriage
Moderate: War, Domestic abuse, and Colonisation
Minor: Suicide
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