Winter In Sokcho

While not too many big things happen in this book the author is able to subtly cover a few very heavy topics as we follow our main character around. The interest in the Frenchmen for example seems to stem from her own identity issues, why does she take interest in him, why does she seek out his approval? On one hand he represents a side of herself she is very desperate to know but also represents the silencing of her other self. His visions of Korea are warped and fetishized western interpretations and she is constantly being frustrated with his reluctance to see it for what it truly is, the noise the neon lights the smell of the fish market. His reluctance to eat Korean food as well is a constant pain for the main character as it’s obvious that food represents the connection she has with her mother. By rejecting to even try her cooking in a way he’s rejecting one the most important parts of her identity. I’m addition to her identity issues she struggles with a very flip floppy body dysmorphia, constantly switching from too skinny and too fat and a reflection of the unnecessary comments ppl are constantly making of her appearance. At some points the character is able to get some self gratification by comparing herself to other women. Over all this book created an interesting melancholy atmosphere while being able to explore different facets of identity and culture that made it worth reading.