Review by Lucille27 -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
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Lucille27
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Review by Lucille27 -- The Vanished by Pejay Bradley
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley.]
The Vanished, by Pejay Bradley, is a historical novel about Korea at the turning of the 20th century. The book follows the lives of several characters from different social backgrounds. We mostly see the perspective of Kim Embon and his mother, both part of the royal world. However, we also see Mr. Seoh, who needs to work despite his lineage. The setting of the story follows the changes involved for Korean people when the Japanese arrived. It was a huge cultural change for them. Kim Embon will have to find his place in this unknown world, trying to reconcile his royal past with his new ideas for the future.
What I like about this book is that it presents a complex depiction of reality. The writing style was amazing and delightful to read. It includes several perspectives from the various characters of the book. However, each one has its own voice. The descriptions belonging to the royal families are superb and contrast to those of poverty. However, all the different perspectives merge with a good rhythm and are not confusing. They show the contrast between these two sides of Korea. I really enjoyed the book because it helped me see that the reality of the time was very complex, not only a black-and-white depiction of it. I also like that there is a lot of brutality and honesty about the abuses and consequences of the war, without making it gruesome. It is a raw narration and a very complete depiction of historical reality.
I really cannot think about something I dislike from this book. It made me get more interested in Korean history. However, this might be my only complaint, I do not know how historically accurate this story is. Anyhow, investigating more about this part of history is my homework now. I think the book allows readers to become interested in Korean culture and history.
The book was professionally edited, and I think I just found subjective errors. I think this book does not go against anyone’s personal beliefs. I consider it teaches to respect the cultural differences through understanding them. It depicts the different beliefs that were taught during this historical time, but it does not judge them. It does not present vulgar, offensive, or profane language, nor does it contain erotic scenes. Because of this, I think it is suited for any audience.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I really enjoyed the book and its writing style. I think it does not exoticize the Korean culture rather it tries to explain it and present the differences from a very neutral point of view. The different perspectives of this book were, definitely, my favorite thing. It reminded me a lot of the movie Parasite, where social differences exist and are more complex than we can explain. I think the book would be amazing for people who like historical fiction. Also, I would recommend it for people who are interested in Korean culture and history. However, I think the wisdom in this book can work for anyone who enjoys reading about what it means to live during times of change.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Vanished, by Pejay Bradley, is a historical novel about Korea at the turning of the 20th century. The book follows the lives of several characters from different social backgrounds. We mostly see the perspective of Kim Embon and his mother, both part of the royal world. However, we also see Mr. Seoh, who needs to work despite his lineage. The setting of the story follows the changes involved for Korean people when the Japanese arrived. It was a huge cultural change for them. Kim Embon will have to find his place in this unknown world, trying to reconcile his royal past with his new ideas for the future.
What I like about this book is that it presents a complex depiction of reality. The writing style was amazing and delightful to read. It includes several perspectives from the various characters of the book. However, each one has its own voice. The descriptions belonging to the royal families are superb and contrast to those of poverty. However, all the different perspectives merge with a good rhythm and are not confusing. They show the contrast between these two sides of Korea. I really enjoyed the book because it helped me see that the reality of the time was very complex, not only a black-and-white depiction of it. I also like that there is a lot of brutality and honesty about the abuses and consequences of the war, without making it gruesome. It is a raw narration and a very complete depiction of historical reality.
I really cannot think about something I dislike from this book. It made me get more interested in Korean history. However, this might be my only complaint, I do not know how historically accurate this story is. Anyhow, investigating more about this part of history is my homework now. I think the book allows readers to become interested in Korean culture and history.
The book was professionally edited, and I think I just found subjective errors. I think this book does not go against anyone’s personal beliefs. I consider it teaches to respect the cultural differences through understanding them. It depicts the different beliefs that were taught during this historical time, but it does not judge them. It does not present vulgar, offensive, or profane language, nor does it contain erotic scenes. Because of this, I think it is suited for any audience.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I really enjoyed the book and its writing style. I think it does not exoticize the Korean culture rather it tries to explain it and present the differences from a very neutral point of view. The different perspectives of this book were, definitely, my favorite thing. It reminded me a lot of the movie Parasite, where social differences exist and are more complex than we can explain. I think the book would be amazing for people who like historical fiction. Also, I would recommend it for people who are interested in Korean culture and history. However, I think the wisdom in this book can work for anyone who enjoys reading about what it means to live during times of change.
******
The Vanished
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Zonas de quema by Jorge P. Newbery
