Books Like...
"Untold Night and Day" by Bae Suah is a surreal and experimental novel that follows Ayami, an actress, on a journey through the hot, dark streets of Seoul. The story blurs the lines between reality and imagination, with recurring characters and motifs that challenge the reader to question the connections and meanings behind them. The prose is described as sleek and dreamlike, creating a narrative that feels like a jungle cat - powerful and captivating, yet elusive in its full understanding.
The novel unfolds in a cyclical and confusing manner, with events seen through the window of a car driving at night, where characters merge into each other and surreal dreams blend with reality. As the day progresses, the heat and humidity increase, adding to the surreal quality of the story. The translator's note by Deborah Smith enhances the novel, elevating it to another realm and providing insights into the motifs and imagery that intensify as the story reaches its peak.
If you liked Untold Night and Day, here are the top 100 books to read next:
The Sunken Land Begins to Rise Again by M. John Harrison is a novel that delves into the lives of Lee Shaw and Victoria, two characters navigating a world filled with surreal and unsettling occurrences. The narrative explores themes of disconnection, existential drift, and the eerie transformation of ordinary life into something uncanny. Harrison's writing style is described as sparse yet rich, with a focus on evocative descriptions and a subtle blending of fantasy and horror elements. The plot unfolds in a dreamlike manner, weaving together threads of personal introspection and societal commentary against the backdrop of a subtly altered English landscape.
During his fifties Shaw went through a rough patch. That was how he put it to himself. His adult life had been, until then, perfectly normal. He had been determined on normality. Perhaps that had been...- #2
Save:"Please Look After Mother" by Kyung-Sook Shin tells the story of a mother who goes missing in the Seoul subway system, leading her family to reflect on their relationships with her. explores themes of family values, motherhood, and the impact of the mother's disappearance on the family dynamics. Through multiple perspectives, the author delves into the deep characterization of each family member and their journey towards understanding the importance of appreciating and connecting with their mother.
The family is gathered at your eldest brother Hyong-chol’s house, bouncing ideas off each other. You decide to make flyers and hand them out where Mom was last seen. The first thing to do, everyone ag... - #3
Save:No One Writes Back is a captivating novel that follows a young man and his extraordinary dog, Wajo, as they embark on a journey, meeting various characters along the way. The story unfolds through letters written by the narrator to the people he encounters, assigning them numbers instead of names. The narrative explores themes of connection, writing, and relationships, as the man and a woman novelist, 751, share their thoughts and experiences while traveling together. The book offers a unique and engaging plot, with a mix of emotional depth and unexpected perspectives on life.
The book delves into the lives of the characters, revealing their inner struggles, desires, and the complexities of human connections. Through the letters and interactions, the reader gains insight into the narrator's family dynamics, his journey of self-discovery, and the woman's creative endeavors. No One Writes Back is not just a story about a physical journey but also a journey of introspection, writing, and the search for meaning in relationships and experiences.
According to a motel proprietor, most people use a motel as a “place of rest,” or in other words, a place in which to have sex, and think of it as such. I used to think so too, though I’ve never been ... - #4
Save:The Picture Bride is a historical women's fiction novel that follows the journey of three Korean women who become picture brides and move to Hawaii in the early 20th century. The story delves into the challenges they face, the lies they were told by the agency, and their struggles to adapt to a new life in a foreign land. The book is divided into three parts, showcasing the women's journey from Korea to Hawaii, their settlement in Hawaii, and the experiences of the second generation.
The main character, Willow, takes center stage as she navigates the complexities of being a picture bride, dealing with a husband she barely knew, and striving to build a life in a place that is vastly different from what she was promised. The novel also touches on themes of bravery, determination, family, and the harsh realities faced by Asian immigrants in America during that era.
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Save:'Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982' by Cho Nam-Joo is a novella that follows the life of Kim Jiyoung, a fictional South Korean everywoman, as she navigates systemic misogyny, gender roles, and women's trauma. The book explores the struggles faced by Jiyoung from childhood to adulthood, shedding light on the habitual sexism prevalent in Korean society. Through a clinical and detached narrative style, the author presents a powerful and harrowing account of Jiyoung's experiences, highlighting the relationships between female characters and the impact of patriarchy on women's lives in South Korea and beyond.
A few days later, Jiyoung said that she was Cha Seungyeon, a college friend who had died a year before. Seungyeon and Daehyun started college the same year and Jiyoung had been their junior by three y... - #6
Save:In "Human Acts" by Han Kang, the novel delves into the harrowing events of the 1980 Gwangju uprising in South Korea through a series of interconnected chapters told from different perspectives. The narrative explores the brutal violence and atrocities committed during the protests, shedding light on the personal experiences of victims, families, and those affected by the tragic events. Kang's writing style intricately weaves together stories of loss, trauma, and resilience, offering a poignant and visceral portrayal of historical events.
The book is lauded for its graphic yet poignant exploration of the Gwangju uprising, providing a deep dive into a lesser-known piece of history. Kang's ability to humanize the characters and convey the emotional impact of the atrocities through vivid descriptions and personal connections resonates with readers, drawing them into the narrative and leaving a lasting impression. The unique structure of the novel, with each chapter narrated from a different perspective, adds layers of complexity to the storytelling, offering a multifaceted view of the events and their aftermath.
In early 1980, South Korea was a heap of dry tinder waiting for a spark. Only a few months previously Park Chung-hee, the military strongman who’d ruled since his coup in 1961, had been assassinated b... - #7
Save:'The Plotters' by Un-su Kim is a unique thriller set in South Korea's dark underworld of crime and assassination. The story follows Reseng, an aging assassin, as he navigates through a power struggle between the old guard and the new, while trying to survive in a world where trust is treacherous and competition is ruthless. The book is filled with colorful characters, dark humor, and clever plot twists, making it a page-turner that delves into themes of loyalty, change, and the complexities of human nature.
The narrative of 'The Plotters' is a blend of noir and literature, featuring witty dialogue, Tarantino-esque violence, and a storyline that keeps readers on their toes with its twists and turns. The book explores Reseng's journey of self-discovery and moral dilemmas, as he questions his loyalty, confronts his past, and grapples with the idea of changing his life. Through Reseng's encounters with various characters and his involvement in a complex assassination plot, the novel offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of happiness, choices, and the human capacity for change.
Reseng tightened the focus on the telescopic sight and pulled back the charging handle. The bullet clicked loudly into the chamber. He glanced around. Other than the tall fir trees reaching for the sk... - #8
Save:'Nowhere to Be Found' by Bae Suah is a novella that delves into themes of loneliness, abandonment, and societal changes in South Korea during the turbulent year of 1988. The story follows a 24-year-old Korean woman as she navigates a life filled with poverty, family struggles, and personal relationships, all set against the backdrop of a changing society transitioning towards democracy. Through a series of scenes presented in a stream of consciousness style, the protagonist reflects on her past experiences, including encounters with family members, romantic relationships, and societal expectations.
The novella is characterized by its unique narrative structure, incorporating poetic and melancholic writing that captures the protagonist's emotional detachment and inner strength amidst challenging circumstances. The plot unfolds through fragmented scenes that offer glimpses into the protagonist's life, culminating in a blend of harsh reality and hopeful undertones that leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Mostly what I did there was send lecture requests to part-time instructors, make adjustments to their class schedules, mail them their pay stubs, and field complaints from students. As far as the work... - #9
Save:"Bae Suah offers the chance to un-knowto see the every-day afresh and be defamiliarized with what we believe we knowwhich is no small offering."Music & Literature
The meeting between a group of emigrants and a mysterious, wandering actress in an
... - #10
Save:The Ruined Map by Kobo Abe is a mesmerizing literary crime novel that follows the story of a private detective who embarks on a puzzling pursuit in Tokyo's dangerous underworld to find a missing salesman. The narrative style combines the suspense of a detective novel with existentialist themes, creating a surreal and hauntingly dreamlike experience for the reader. The book delves into the mysteries of the human mind, challenging the boundaries of identity and reality, while maintaining a fast-paced and disorienting flow that keeps the reader engaged.
The surface of the street was not asphalt but a rough-textured concrete with narrow grooves about five inches apart, apparently to prevent slipping. But they did not look as though they would be much ...
