Synopsis: 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.
(Synopsis taken from back of book)
On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I did what I always do: I sought out a bookshop. After perusing its shelves, I settled on buying a copy of Hwang Bo-reum's debut, 'Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.' The beautiful cover promised a soothing, quiet and thoughtful world, painted in pastels and bursting with quirky bookish affirmations. Little did I know that I was about to immerse myself in one of the most validating, profound and comforting books I have ever read.
With its small yet sparkling cast of characters, the novel takes the reader on a journey to find the meaning of life, a definition acknowledged to be unique to everyone and the place in which they find themselves. On a quiet yet powerful journey, through the books they read and the community they create, the protagonists free themselves from the capitalist and conformity prizing society they have been trapped in. Through this, they learn who they truly are, how to embrace their authentic selves, and that the unattainable happiness we all pursue is found in the small things we treasure the most.
No matter how big or small the dreams of the protagonists are, no one is put down or perceived as less than; instead, they all embrace elements of each other's lives and personalities which allow everyone to shine at their brightest.
The bookshop becomes a character in itself; a place to break free, let go and find your way in a safe, calm and reliable cocoon which becomes whatever you need it to be. The love language of those who work, meet and seek sanctuary at the Hyunam-dong Bookshop is helping those around them by giving others the books they need most at that moment, whether it was the novel they were seeking or the book they didn't know they needed. 'Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop' acknowledges that we are all trying our best to find our way in a life in which we are given no choice but to follow a map leading to a destination which won't fulfil us or wander, lost. This novel offers books as a source of hope, guidance and companionship.
Books forge deep connections, and help release us from the bonds of those which no longer serve; this is how the eponymous bookshop transforms from a shop into a community haven. Introverts are not pushed to change in this world; everyone exists alongside one another, with stronger friendships blossoming slowly via coffee, books and heart-to-hearts.
Although set in South Korea, the messages of this gem of a story will resonate with anyone who feels adrift and unsure. What is certainly not lost in translation is that if we are happy, or are working towards a place where we feel so as often as possible, then that is good enough, no matter how outsiders might measure our choices, successes and growth.
For those wanting to be transported to a place other than that which they live, learn about different cultures, laugh, cry and pause for thought alongside some amazing and unique characters, 'Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop' offers all this and more. The book is not narrative driven, yet never feels heavy going or slow to progress, it just places more emphasis on the subtleties and nuances of life and those we meet in it than some other novels might.
This novel was the book that I didn't know I needed. I found it at a time when I was starting a healing process of my own which meant I needed to do things differently to what was expected of me; this was the most supportive book I have ever read, and by reading it, I started to find the courage to pursue a life which would work for me.
In writing this review, I hope that I can contribute in my own way to the continuation of the philosophy in which Yeongju and her found family belive so fully; that by recommending a book, I can help someone find what they needed to hear.
I hope that you can discover your own Hyunam-dong Bookshop one day, where you can be yourself, doing your own thing, free from judgement. Perhaps reading this book will help you find your way there.
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