Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop: The heart-warming Korean sensation

by Hwang Bo-reum

Shanna Tan (Translator)

**AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER**
WATERSTONES BEST FICTION BOOKS OF 2023 PICK
WOMAN & HOME NOVEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH
iPaper TOP FICTION PICK

'An absolutely charming novel that all bookworms will adore' Red

'A balm for the soul and a glorious love letter to books and reading' iPaper

There was only one thing on her mind.

'I must start a bookshop.'

Yeongju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.

In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeongju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married coffee roaster, and the writer who sees something special in Yeongju - they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.

A heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life – and the healing power of books.

'Delightful, reflective and heart-warming' Woman's Weekly

‘Profound and healing … a beautiful story at its heart’ Woman & Home

'An incredibly exciting debut novel. At once gentle and invigorating. I devoured it' Sarah Crossan, author of Here is the Beehive

Reader Reviews:

'Love love love this book! Cosy, heart warming, wholesome...Will be recommending this to everyone. It makes me smile when I think about it!'

'Such a beautiful book, I adored the story and characters, The writing style was gorgeous. 100% recommend.'

'A love letter to books, bookshops and all who love them'

'Such a warm and cosy read! Was completely here for it...and the appreciation for books was magical'

'A heart-warming cosy read that makes you think about how important it is to be happy, and that we can all find a place to call ‘home’.'

• ISBN10: 1526662272
• ISBN13: 9781526662279
• Publish Date: 26 October 2023
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 14 June 2024
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop is a warm and compassionately written slice-of-life love letter to booktores and literature written by Hwang Bo-Reum. Written in Korean and released in 2022, this English Language translation from Bloomsbury is 320 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

This is such an appealing and inviting book. MC Yeongju is burnt out and sheds her old life and searches for new meaning and seeks to build a more contemplative life as a bookseller in a residential neighborhood outside the metro area. It's touching and fulfilling to see her build herself back up book by book. 

This is 100% character driven; there's not a plot with a beginning-middle-end. As such, western readers might find the pacing unusually slow and meandering. There isn't a clear denouement, it's a series of small daily vignettes.

The translation work by Shanna Tan is seamless, and it doesn't read as if it were translated (except that the pacing and vibe are definitely not western in style or feel). 

Four stars. A contemplative read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

[Terri M. LeBlanc]

An uncomplicated look at the day-to-day operations of an indie bookshop and how it evolves as the owner engages with her community. This book will delight readers, bookstore owners and fans of small local bookshops.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.