This book has a lot to offer as a valuable window into Korean history. The End of August is a semi-autobiographical of the author's grandfather, Lee Woo-Cheol from 1925 until he died in the late 1970s. The story begins with the scene of called forth for her ancestors through ritual (thanks to kdrama!). How the author put down their last moments together is phenomenal and like a closure for me.
Lee Woo-Cheol was a long-distance runner in Korea. His dream was robbed because the Tokyo Olympics were cancelled in 1938. Furthermore, he has mouths to feed and is trapped under Japanese rule. Despite all that, he was a philanderer, and his wife left him leaving their children behind. The rest of the story is quite sordid like everyone in the family has such a terrible fate.
Considering everything, it's a remarkable and thought-provoking exploration of a Japanese invasion, women's exploitation, and communism through the lasting impact of dramatic backstories. I give 4.5 ⭐️
Thanks to @times.reads and @putrifariza for the review copy. Opinions are my own 💙
*Available at all major bookstores in Singapore and Malaysia and their online stores
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