Nurtured Words

Being relaxed or relieved is not the state that we always want to be in. Sometimes, there’s a need to hold on to the frustration of the situation, to the complexity of things as you think and ponder – page 224

Hello my lovelies,

Following on from last week’s post, I thought I’d review one of the books I recently read: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum.

In essence, this book evokes so much pondering and answers to life’s questions. It is a cosy read that I read in two sittings in under 24 hours. It shows the complexity of relationships, history and what we want from the future.

The plot line (no spoilers I promise!) follows Yoengju, a woman in her 30s who gives up her life to open a bookshop somewhere more rural. She meets all kinds of characters and wants to further her business out of love and appreciation for books. From this, it takes everyone who comes into the shop on a journey through difficult, emotional, and happy moments. We see each main character’s perspective over a two year period.

When I say it’s a cosy book, what I mean by that is this book is easy to read, peaceful and heart-warming. It’s paced and thoughtful. If you’re looking to relax, this is the book.

I loved so many parts, mainly the character development. It was fascinating to see the characters grow, with parts of their lives slowly being told. It makes sense of this day and age where private lives don’t seem so private anymore. But I adored the anonymity, the mystique, of the characters. I went on the journey with them as they opened into beautiful lotus flowers. I could see myself on the journey with them. There is a calm precision to how they develop with the story.

Often, she read in search of something. However, she didn’t always know exactly what she was looking for when she turned the first page… There were also times she clearly knew – right from the beginning – what she sought… they had one thing in common: their lives changed from then on. – page 18

So right at the start, the lesson from the book is right there, the essence of this story. To see how one can change their life from the simple act of a book, or making a decision that can impact multiple lives. This is the underpinning of Yeongju’s arc, how her life can change from a seemingly drastic decision. Going further into the book, we see a similar cascading of the community.

Life’s off to a good start after you do up the first button… he thought about his buttons – the ones he sacrificed his sleep to make. His colourful and carefully crafted buttons. He never once doubted that they were ‘excellent’. – page 51…59

A large part of the topical focus in this book is about our attitudes to work and success. How it’s defined. This character (trying not to spoil!) takes an old adage to mould himself into what his family believes he should be, what society feels. So he crafted his buttons to be perfect. To be excellent. But as we learn, what is excellent and perfect? Are they superfluous? Or do we get to define it for ourselves? How should our attitude be? Who should we strive to be excellent for work, society, or ourselves? This is vastly explored in the book with all of the characters, the path of life essentially.

I don’t get why people see a mundane life as a bad thing… we live because we were born… you have a point. But having something you’re interested in clears the airway. – page 153

This is a conversation between two characters. My favourite one is the young boy who has no interest in anything, or seemingly no interest. He who finds life to just be existence, and not the idea that having passions and hobbies, interests as it were, as an element of life which can bring joy. As echoed, I firmly believe reading and journalling, history, and philosophy (my interests) clear the airway of my life so I may not just live fully but breathe fully. He really grows into himself in this story.

Honestly, I didn’t really struggle with any of the book, it was a perfect read for me. I found it comforting, relatable, realistic and engrossing. The writing is beautiful, simple, and eloquent. Hwang Bo-Ruem has such a wonderful cadence and I’ll be on the look out for more works.

I think this can be read by anyone who loves a relatable read, who has a love of life and hobbies, or feels like they want to be inspired by change. This is because it got me really pondering about my own life, my own status and view of myself.

I feel this book needs to be read by more people.

Rating: 🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷

Journal prompt: what makes a ‘cosy book’ cosy?

Kindly, Leanne x