Diese Rezension ist auf Englisch, da ich es für Netgalley.com gelesen habe.

Thank you to Kensington Books for providing this free advanced reader copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Official Blurb on Goodreads:
In a Seoul slum marked for demolition, residents’ shadows have begun to rise. No one knows how or why–but, they warn each other, do not follow your shadow if it wanders away. 
As the landscape of their lives is torn apart, building by building, electronics-repair-shop employees Eungyo and Mujae can only watch as their community begins to fade. Their growing connection with one another provides solace, but against an uncaring ruling class and the inevitability of the rising shadows, their relationship may not be enough. 

Before we begin, I would like to to recommend reading about the 2009 Yongsan Disaster before you read the One Hundred Shadows because this book is a commentary on it. This article in TheKoreaTimes is, I think, a good read: 10 years on: ‚Yongsan disaster‘ victims still want fact-finding, justice.

One Hundred Shadows by Hwang Jungeun is an exploration of the lives of Mujae and Eungyo, set against a backdrop of the struggles faced by the working class in a capitalist society, such as in South Korea. Through their romantic relationship, readers are taken on an emotional journey that highlights the complexities of love intertwined with the harsh realities of life. The narrative is rich with nuance, evoking a sense of empathy for the characters as they navigate existential fears and uncertainties, compounded by the influence of external forces that dictate their livelihoods.

Hwang’s writing style is undeniably poetic, reminiscent of Han Kang, and distinctly Korean. She is capturing both the beauty and the melancholy of the characters‘ experiences. This blend of realism with fantastical elements creates this narrative where feelings and thoughts take on a life of their own as shadows. The subtlety embedded invites various interpretations, allowing readers to find their own meanings hidden.

The novel serves as a commentary on capitalist society, particularly in relation to the disaster in 2009. It examines the impact on individual lives, showcasing how the characters are affected by decisions made by those in power. Initially, the narrative feels like a reflection on these societal issues. But as the story progresses, the ending seemed abrupt, leaving me yearning for more insight.

Despite this, I do not regret reading One Hundred Shadows. Hwang Jungeun crafts a portrayal of hope amidst despair – the story itself is a reflection of life’s unpredictability and struggles.

xx, Jana