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Familiar Things by Hwang Sok-yong (2018, Trade Paperback)

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FAMILIAR THINGS By Hwang Sok-yong & Sora Kim-russell **BRAND NEW**.

About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherScribe Publications

ISBN-101947534041

ISBN-139781947534049

eBay Product ID (ePID)239575197

Product Key Features

Book TitleFamiliar Things

Number of Pages224 Pages

LanguageEnglish

TopicUrban, General, Literary

Publication Year2018

GenreFiction

AuthorHwang Sok-Yong

FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.6 in

Item Weight7.8 Oz

Item Length5.1 in

Item Width7.8 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

Reviews'Galvanized by Nobel Prize-winner Kenzaburo Oe's resounding endorsement--'undoubtedly the most powerful voice in Asia today'--and master translator Sora Kim Russell's exquisite rendition, Hwang's latest anglophonic import is surely poised for western success.', Familiar Things ...serves as a powerful and potentially contentious reminder of the difficult backstory to South Korean success., 'Hwang Sok-yong is an endearing author. For his perspective on people and things, for the instinctive modesty of his characters as well as his ability to "capture" -- to return through fiction -- the contemporary history of his country. Even more, to embody it.', ' Familiar Things is a poignant novel that depicts decay and regeneration ... A sense of menace pervades the novel. But the relationship that develops between Bugeye and Baldspot, who he comes to adopt as his younger brother, is heartwarming.', 'Hwang Sok-yong is one of the most read Korean writers in his country, and best known abroad. An activist for democracy and reconciliation with the North, in his books he melds his political fights with the Korean cultural imagination.', In Familiar Things , the great Korean writer embraces the social realities of his country. It is the opposite of the economic miracle that he paints for us here. Beyond simple naturalism, Hwang Sok-yong mixes into the actual, the magic of a popular culture steeped in the spiritual., Hwang Sok-yong is one of the most read Korean writers in his country, and best known abroad. An activist for democracy and reconciliation with the North, in his books he melds his political fights with the Korean cultural imagination., [Hwang Sok-Yong] exhibits superb skill in introducing elements of the preternatural without detracting from the main focus of the story...Hwang on the whole moves us to question the fragility of memory and challenges us to hold on to our past and identify our roots despite the ever-changing nature of life. The novel is an endearingly powerful read as we make the journey with Bugeye towards his adulthood. Life is composed of memories both good and bad, and, in spite of the growing waste and destruction surrounding these children, there is a reason for hope and promise that their future will be better, greener lives., 'Hwang Sok-yong is one of South Korea's foremost writers, a powerful voice for society's marginalised, and Sora Kim-Russell's translations never falter.', "A great political book, a plea for a country under the boot of a general, a country embroiled in a fierce power struggle, where ideology has been devoured by productivity, where human beings are nothing more than bellies to be filled for the benefit of industrial producers...Grandma Willow in her dementia rails, "You're despicable! Do you think you live alone here? You men may all disappear, nature will continue to exist!" Let's hope so!", A powerful examination of capitalism from one of South Korea's most acclaimed authors ... [Hwang] challenges us to look back and reevaluate the cost of modernisation, and see what and whom we have left behind., Hwang Sok-yong is one of South Korea's foremost writers, a powerful voice for society's marginalised, and Sora Kim-Russell's translations never falter., Five stars ... Readers expecting this novel to develop into a savage take on Seoul slum life will be disappointed ... [Hwang Sok-Yong] wants to tell a different story altogether. Familiar Things turns out to be less about simple disposal than movement between different worlds ... resonant., In the tradition of social realism, Familiar Things reveals aspects of our current throw-away system that are intentionally kept out of sight. But it is not only a Jungle -esque activist exposé. It is also an engaging coming-of-age portrait., 'Hwang Sok-Yong's novel presents a blunt portrayal of the marginalised lives of those who live on Flower Island, a once fertile place that has become the landfill for a nearby city ... But the transition to life on Flower Island does not only offer horror. Familiar Things makes clear the degree to which life as a garbage scavenger offers Bugeye and his mother a modicum of independence and dignity in comparison to the other options available to them ... Although Hwang Sok-Yong describes a world that is terrible to imagine, he does not fetishise it. Monstrous events occur, but the descriptions do not revel in the graphic details such that they become offensively gratuitous. Familiar Things' language is simple. It does not linger in metaphor or unusual turns of phrase. Sora Kim-Russell's translation feels unstilted and easy. The novel's uncomplicated style suits its purpose, presenting determined existence rather than romanticised horror. The plain prose also conveys the great sadness of the novel without becoming saccharine ... Familiar Things challenges readers to see everyday objects in an alternate light, while also understanding that this life of scavenging is a familiar one for many people.', 'Hwang Sok-yong is one of South Korea's foremost writers, a powerful voice for society's marginalised, and Sora Kim-Russell's translations never falter.' --Deborah Smith, translator of The Vegetarian 'Hwang Sok-yong is one of the most read Korean writers in his country, and best known abroad. An activist for democracy and reconciliation with the North, in his books he melds his political fights with the Korean cultural imagination.' -- Le Monde 'Undoubtedly the most powerful voice in Asia today'--Kenzaburo Oe 'Hwang Sok-yong is an endearing author. For his perspective on people and things, for the instinctive modesty of his characters as well as his ability to "capture" -- to return through fiction -- the contemporary history of his country. Even more, to embody it.'-- La Croix 'In Familiar Things , the great Korean writer embraces the social realities of his country. It is the opposite of the economic miracle that he paints for us here. Beyond simple naturalism, Hwang Sok-yong mixes into the actual, the magic of a popular culture steeped in the spiritual.' -- LivresHebdo 'Five stars ... Readers expecting this novel to develop into a savage take on Seoul slum life will be disappointed ... [Hwang Sok-Yong] wants to tell a different story altogether. Familiar Things turns out to be less about simple disposal than movement between different worlds ... resonant.' -- The Daily Telegraph 'Reality, fiction and fantasy mix closely, giving his writing unparalleled power. Hwang Sok-yong's empathy for his heroes is always accompanied by a fierce rage against the powerful.' -- Le Monde Diplomatique 'Sora Kim-Russell's translation moves gracefully between gritty, whiffy realism and folk-tale spookiness.' -- The Economist 'A powerful examination of capitalism from one of South Korea's most acclaimed authors ... [Hwang] challenges us to look back and reevaluate the cost of modernisation, and see what and whom we have left behind.' -- The Guardian 'A great political book, a plea for a country under the boot of a general, a country embroiled in a fierce power struggle, where ideology has been devoured by productivity, where human beings are nothing more than bellies to be filled for the benefit of industrial producers ... Grandma Willow in her dementia rails, "You're despicable! Do you think you live alone here? You men may all disappear, nature will continue to exist!" Let's hope so!' -- Critiques Libres ' Familiar Things is both tragic and heartrending.' -- The Skinny 'A vivid depiction of a city too quick to throw away both possessions and people.' -- Financial Times ' Familiar Things is a poignant novel that depicts decay and regeneration ... A sense of menace pervades the novel. But the relationship that develops between Bugeye and Baldspot, who he comes to adopt as his younger brother, is heartwarming.' -- The Big Issue 'While it invokes South Korean history, culture, mythology and folklore, this slim novel is unmistakably universal in its reach, contemporary in its appeal, and packs an emotional punch that reverberates long after reading.' -- South China Morning Post 'As one of the country's most prominent novelists, Hwang has never shied away from controversy ... With Familiar Things, Hwang turns his attention to the underside of South Korea's remarkable economic development, namely, the vast underclass it has created.' --John Feffer, Boston Review, 'Hwang Sok-yong is one of South Korea's foremost writers, a powerful voice for society's marginalised, and Sora Kim-Russell's translations never falter.' --Deborah Smith, translator of The Vegetarian 'Hwang Sok-yong is one of the most read Korean writers in his country, and best known abroad. An activist for democracy and reconciliation with the North, in his books he melds his political fights with the Korean cultural imagination.' -- Le Monde 'Undoubtedly the most powerful voice in Asia today'--Kenzaburo Oe 'Hwang Sok-yong is an endearing author. For his perspective on people and things, for the instinctive modesty of his characters as well as his ability to "capture" -- to return through fiction -- the contemporary history of his country. Even more, to embody it.'-- La Croix 'In Familiar Things , the great Korean writer embraces the social realities of his country. It is the opposite of the economic miracle that he paints for us here. Beyond simple naturalism, Hwang Sok-yong mixes into the actual, the magic of a popular culture steeped in the spiritual.' -- LivresHebdo 'Five stars ... Readers expecting this novel to develop into a savage take on Seoul slum life will be disappointed ... [Hwang Sok-Yong] wants to tell a different story altogether. Familiar Things turns out to be less about simple disposal than movement between different worlds ... resonant.' -- The Daily Telegraph 'Reality, fiction and fantasy mix closely, giving his writing unparalleled power. Hwang Sok-yong's empathy for his heroes is always accompanied by a fierce rage against the powerful.' -- Le Monde Diplomatique 'Sora Kim-Russell's translation moves gracefully between gritty, whiffy realism and folk-tale spookiness.' -- The Economist 'A powerful examination of capitalism from one of South Korea's most acclaimed authors ... [Hwang] challenges us to look back and reevaluate the cost of modernisation, and see what and whom we have left behind.' -- The Guardian 'A great political book, a plea for a country under the boot of a general, a country embroiled in a fierce power struggle, where ideology has been devoured by productivity, where human beings are nothing more than bellies to be filled for the benefit of industrial producers ... Grandma Willow in her dementia rails, "You're despicable! Do you think you live alone here? You men may all disappear, nature will continue to exist!" Let's hope so!' -- Critiques Libres ' Familiar Things is both tragic and heartrending.' -- The Skinny 'A vivid depiction of a city too quick to throw away both possessions and people.' -- Financial Times ' Familiar Things is a poignant novel that depicts decay and regeneration ... A sense of menace pervades the novel. But the relationship that develops between Bugeye and Baldspot, who he comes to adopt as his younger brother, is heartwarming.' -- The Big Issue 'While it invokes South Korean history, culture, mythology and folklore, this slim novel is unmistakably universal in its reach, contemporary in its appeal, and packs an emotional punch that reverberates long after reading.' -- South China Morning Post, "A great political book, a plea for a country under the boot of a general, a country embroiled in a fierce power struggle, where ideology has been devoured by productivity, where human beings are nothing more than bellies to be filled for the benefit of industrial producers ... Grandma Willow in her dementia rails, "You're despicable! Do you think you live alone here? You men may all disappear, nature will continue to exist!" Let's hope so!", Reality, fiction and fantasy mix closely, giving his writing unparalleled power. Hwang Sok-yong's empathy for his heroes is always accompanied by a fierce rage against the powerful., Galvanized by Nobel Prize-winner Kenzaburo Oe's resounding endorsement--'undoubtedly the most powerful voice in Asia today'--and master translator Sora Kim Russell's exquisite rendition, Hwang's latest anglophonic import is surely poised for western success.'|9781947534049|, As one of the country's most prominent novelists, Hwang has never shied away from controversy...With Familiar Things , Hwang turns his attention to the underside of South Korea's remarkable economic development, namely, the vast underclass it has created., '[Hwang Sok-Yong] exhibits superb skill in introducing elements of the preternatural without detracting from the main focus of the story ... Hwang on the whole moves us to question the fragility of memory and challenges us to hold on to our past and identify our roots despite the ever-changing nature of life. The novel is an endearingly powerful read as we make the journey with Bugeye towards his adulthood. Life is composed of memories both good and bad, and, in spite of the growing waste and destruction surrounding these children, there is a reason for hope and promise that their future will be better, greener lives.', 'Five stars ... Readers expecting this novel to develop into a savage take on Seoul slum life will be disappointed ... [Hwang Sok-Yong] wants to tell a different story altogether. Familiar Things turns out to be less about simple disposal than movement between different worlds ... resonant.', 'A great political book, a plea for a country under the boot of a general, a country embroiled in a fierce power struggle, where ideology has been devoured by productivity, where human beings are nothing more than bellies to be filled for the benefit of industrial producers ... Grandma Willow in her dementia rails, "You're despicable! Do you think you live alone here? You men may all disappear, nature will continue to exist!" Let's hope so!', "Galvanized by Nobel Prize-winner Kenzaburo Oe's resounding endorsement--"undoubtedly the most powerful voice in Asia today"--and master translator Sora Kim Russell's exquisite rendition, Hwang's latest anglophonic import is surely poised for western success.", Familiar Things is a poignant novel that depicts decay and regeneration...A sense of menace pervades the novel. But the relationship that develops between Bugeye and Baldspot, who he comes to adopt as his younger brother, is heartwarming., 'Sora Kim-Russell's translation moves gracefully between gritty, whiffy realism and folk-tale spookiness.', Hwang Sok-yong is one of South Korea's foremost writers, a powerful voice for society's marginalized, and Sora Kim-Russell's translations never falter., 'Reality, fiction and fantasy mix closely, giving his writing unparalleled power. Hwang Sok-yong's empathy for his heroes is always accompanied by a fierce rage against the powerful.', 'In Familiar Things , the great Korean writer embraces the social realities of his country. It is the opposite of the economic miracle that he paints for us here. Beyond simple naturalism, Hwang Sok-yong mixes into the actual, the magic of a popular culture steeped in the spiritual.', "Hwang Sok-yong is an endearing author. For his perspective on people and things, for the instinctive modesty of his characters as well as his ability to "capture" -- to return through fiction -- the contemporary history of his country. Even more, to embody it.", A powerful examination of capitalism from one of South Korea's most acclaimed authors...[Hwang] challenges us to look back and reevaluate the cost of modernization, and see what and whom we have left behind., Five stars...Readers expecting this novel to develop into a savage take on Seoul slum life will be disappointed...[Hwang Sok-Yong] wants to tell a different story altogether. Familiar Things turns out to be less about simple disposal than movement between different worlds...resonant., 'A powerful examination of capitalism from one of South Korea's most acclaimed authors ... [Hwang] challenges us to look back and reevaluate the cost of modernisation, and see what and whom we have left behind.', Sora Kim-Russell's translation moves gracefully between gritty, whiffy realism and folk-tale spookiness., 'While it invokes South Korean history, culture, mythology and folklore, this slim novel is unmistakably universal in its reach, contemporary in its appeal, and packs an emotional punch that reverberates long after reading.', Familiar Things is a poignant novel that depicts decay and regeneration ... A sense of menace pervades the novel. But the relationship that develops between Bugeye and Baldspot, who he comes to adopt as his younger brother, is heartwarming., Familiar Things is a fine little novel, showing a crushing, grim reality in which the resilient human spirit and imagination makes do., As one of the country's most prominent novelists, Hwang has never shied away from controversy ... With Familiar Things , Hwang turns his attention to the underside of South Korea's remarkable economic development, namely, the vast underclass it has created., While it invokes South Korean history, culture, mythology and folklore, this slim novel is unmistakably universal in its reach, contemporary in its appeal, and packs an emotional punch that reverberates long after reading., "Hwang Sok-yong is an endearing author. For his perspective on people and things, for the instinctive modesty of his characters as well as his ability to "capture"--to return through fiction--the contemporary history of his country. Even more, to embody it."

SynopsisSeoul. On the outskirts of South Korea's glittering metropolis is a place few people know about: a vast landfill site called Flower Island. Home to those driven from the city by poverty, is it here that 14-year-old Bugeye and his mother arrive, following his father's internment in a government "re-education camp". Living in a shack and supporting himself by weeding recyclables out of the refuse, at first Bugeye's life on Flower Island is hard. But then one night he notices mysterious lights around the landfill. And when the ancient spirits that still inhabit the island's landscape reveal themselves to him, Bugeye's luck begins to change--but can it last? Vibrant and enchanting, Familiar Things depicts a society on the edge of dizzying economic and social change, and is a haunting reminder to us all to be careful of what we throw away., A vivid and enchanting novel by one of South Korea's foremost writers, in a haunting reminder to be careful what we throw away., A vivid and enchanting novel by one of South Korea's foremost writers, in a haunting reminder to be careful what we throw away. Seoul. On the outskirts of South Korea's glittering metropolis is a place few people know about: a vast landfill site called Flower Island. Home to those driven from the city by poverty, is it here that 14-year-old Bugeye and his mother arrive, following his father's internment in a government "re-education camp". Living in a shack and supporting himself by weeding recyclables out of the refuse, at first Bugeye's life on Flower Island is hard. But then one night he notices mysterious lights around the landfill. And when the ancient spirits that still inhabit the island's landscape reveal themselves to him, Bugeye's luck begins to change--but can it last? Vibrant and enchanting, Familiar Things depicts a society on the edge of dizzying economic and social change, and is a haunting reminder to us all to be careful of what we throw away.