Customer Reviews

Princess June

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This may be the first novel of a new author from a small press, but don't let that fool you. For me, it was a true find. I cannot remember when was the last time a novel captivated and touched me quite like this one has. I read it twice back to back and discovered that the story has multiple layers. That was surprising because the author's writing style appears simple and straight-forward on the surface. I would say that the language is compact but it isn't dry by any means. On the contrary, this is a passionate and emotionally charged writing with exquisite passages that may be described as lyrical or poetic. But the author doesn't get bogged down trying to be too precious with words. The language works on your own imagination instead. You "see" images in your mind as you read. It's the kind of writing style that doesn't call attention to itself but to the content and the characters. The storyline flows easily and smoothly at a nice, crisp clip. But the characters are what's central here. There are a wide variety of fascinating characters, both Koreans and Americans, from all walks of life. The author's understanding of psychology is "right on" and she has created all her characters with such care that you feel like they are right there with you on your side. These characters feel so real! And you grasp the sense of a whole character all at once, just from a few bits of descriptions and from the way they talk. It's exciting to be one of the first to discover a new voice that is so uniquely original with heart and vision to give as gifts.

While the ending was satisfying, after spending so much time with Junee, I wasn't ready for it to end. I want to know more about what happens to her. Junee is a very intriguing and strong protagonist, and in a flashback that lasts for the majority of the novel, we learn the chilling and unforgettable events that led up to the emotional first moments of the book. But, to me at least, there is much more of Junee's story to tell, and I hope some day to be able to read more of her undoubtedly fascinating future.

It should be fairly obvious that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although I couldn't directly relate to the characters, I found them to be interesting, and in Junee's case in particular, memorable. My only peeve is the use of the flashback to tell the majority of the story. As with all stories told in this manner, I would've preferred that it unfold linearly instead, from beginning to end. But it didn't greatly affect my enjoyment, and I'm glad to have read Princess June.