Reviewed by B. Ullsvik, April 2023
This book takes place in South Korea, during the Gwangju Uprising of 1980. Through the perspectives of many different people, all are connected in one way; to a boy named Dong-ho. All tell a different story, leading to a similar outcome. From Dong-ho's best friend who meets his own fateful end; to an editor struggling against censorship; to a prisoner and a factory worker, each suffering from traumatic memories; and to Dong-ho's own grief-stricken mother; and through their collective heartbreak and acts of hope is the tale of a brutalized people in search of a voice. The Gwangju Uprising was a terrible event, and many were killed. This book goes in depth about how different people handled the losses, and emotions that occurred. Please note: this book is a bit graphic in parts.