Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I was never 100% involved in this book, although I really wanted to be. This book is set in Seoul, South Korea in the 1970s. I found some of the cultural references interesting, especially in reference to class/family standings, education and family life.
At the heart of this book are two young women who met as middle school students. Namin comes from a poor family, is brilliant and carries the weight of responsibility for her family on her shoulders. They sacrifice so that she can succeed and take care of them. Jisun is from a wealthy, powerful family. She struggles against her dad, doesn't care about money, and goes from one activist cause to another.
Both women become involved with Sunam, a smart but not extremely motivated young man who is flattered by Namin's attention yet drawn to Jisun. Sunam is also involved with Juno, Jisun's brother, who is his mentor and tries to move him into the future.
I just never felt engaged with anyone but Namin and the ending left me feeling more sad than anything else. It was a good read, just not a great one to me.
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