February 21, 2017 georgiasmith 2Comment

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I decided to read this novel because I believe there is a deep connection between countries and the literature they produce. Not only because the skill of translating a language into English makes the lexical choices all the more fascinating but also because of differing perspectives. And as I am currently visiting South Korea, I hope by reading some native fiction I can understand South Korean culture through another angle. In fact I’ve made it a personal mission to read at least one author that is native to every place I visit.

Besides this, after doing some research on the author, I realised that Hwang Sun-won’s topic choice of the Korean War, from 1950 to 1953, also has very little written on it. I have to admit this was a surprising discovery to me as it is considered as a pivotal time in South Korean history but it more than peaked my curiosity.

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One of my favourite aspects of the novel plays on this very idea of inclusion. South Korean history emphasises that the importance of the war stemmed from the fact that it effected virtually every South Korean citizen, it seemed no one could escape the wars bloody grip. The novel reinforces this idea, as the reader discovers that all the characters experience hardships in different forms but the difficulties are all triggered by the conflict. For instance Ok-Ju, the barmaid, is forced into poverty by the loss of her husband, whom he depended on for financial support. However her demise is not only physical, her loss of memories from a happier time transitions into a mechanical and emotionless women. A women who rejects any form of affection and believes, ‘it’s better if two people who shouldn’t have fallen in love, kill themselves the moment they realise they’re inseparable’ (81). In fact for her, memory is more important than reality.

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Another interesting aspect of the novel is the character development of the three main protagonists. Tong-Ho who is represented as naïve and idealistic, is eventually destroyed by his own sensitivity. He is unable to endure the hardships of war. Hyon’s hard lined nature also becomes self-destructive. However the deterioration of both characters mental state, causes a wave effect, dismantling the lives of those around them. In comparison Yun-Gu is represented as a creator. Although he too faces his own hardships, he thrives after being discharged from war through perseverance and hard work. Much like ‘Goldilocks and the three Bears’, Yun-Gu is just right. In fact, Bruce Fulton claims that Yun-Gu is intended to be the physical embodiment of South Korea. Resilient against the horrors of past, the country was able to restore its poor economy into one that is currently thriving.

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The novels interesting look at the psychological effects of war is most profound when Tong-Ho rouses the question, ‘Are we the victims or the victimisers?’ (89). I think the idea of the novel is to show that they are neither and both. The Korean War favoured nobody, instead it drags everybody in to its storm and spits them back out again. Only a few are able to withstand the impact.

Despite or maybe because of, the dark content makes the novel an entertaining read. The fast pace and simultaneously complex character developments, engulf the reader into a complex plot that tries to explain the personal effects of war. A hard job.

 

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2 thoughts on “Book Review – Trees on a Slope by Hwang Sun-Won

    1. Thank you very much! I have had a small break but will have some new book reviews soon and more content on South Korea!

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