A compelling debut novel a novel based in Seoul Korea .An involving page turner a story of 4 women a look at Korea’s obsession with plastic surgery.So well written so entertaining an author I will be following.#netgalley#randomhouse

I loved this book! A beautifully written but accessible story about 4 women in Korea, struggling against society's expectations and limitations. I was deeply engaged with the characters' lives, and Cha does a perfect job of keeping you guessing but answering your biggest questions about the characters. Fantastic, impressive debut!

This book started wonderfully and really pulls you into the storyline. It was interesting to read about Koreans fascination with plastic surgery. The one thing I had issue with was the ending as it seemed abrupt. Overall it captured my attention and I found it hard to put aside.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it..

I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I don’t read a lot of contemporary fiction, but this one caught my eye for a few reasons. First, the cover. I’m a sucker for bright colors so that caught my attention right away. Second, I’m always on the lookout for books that take place in other countries. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn something new. And third, there’s nothing I love more than a female-centric narrative.

The four main characters of If I Had Your Face are all women living in the same apartment building in Seoul. Ara is a mute hair stylist and K-pop fan whose roommate and lifelong best friend has been saving up for plastic surgery. Kyuri is a jaded, beauty-obsessed woman who works in a room salon and distrusts men. Wonna is a newlywed with a doting husband who endured abuse as a child and is now trying for a baby of her own. Finally, Miho, Kyuri’s roommate, is an artist with a wealthy boyfriend and a secret obsession with her former best friend.

The characters are easily my favorite part of this book. They feel like real women, complex and fully formed. Cha writes from a first-person perspective, which is usually not my preference, but it worked beautifully here. Each of the four main character felt completely distinct; I could easily distinguish whose chapter I was reading at any given time. Despite their flaws, I developed a deep connection with each of them because I was able to understand their feelings and motivations, and by the end of the book I was extremely attached to them.

The themes of If I Had Your Face center around the patriarchal standards of Korean society, which I found enlightening and thought-provoking. Although misogyny is present in every country and culture, it manifests itself in different ways. In Korea, misogyny takes the form of strict beauty standards and gender norms that women are expected to adhere to. Many women who don’t fit this impossible mold opt for expensive cosmetic surgery. Their value is measured by their looks and by their roles as wife and mother. Institutions like room salons fulfill wealthy men's fantasies of being waited on by beautiful young women.

The only aspect of this book that I felt ambivalent about was Cha’s writing style. She writes very frankly, with minimal embellishment and an intimate vibe, like you’re reading the main characters’ diaries. For the most part, it worked, because it fit the tone of the book and its contemporary setting and subject matter, but there were occasional moments when I wished for more explanation and depth. Other than that minor flaw, this was an absolutely enthralling story, and one I highly recommend.

Absolutely and terrifyingly wonderful.This book follows the life of four amazing women.Each so very different from the other but their stories just fit right in with each other like different color threads in an intricate embroidery pattern. The obsession with plastic surgery was what made this book terrifyingly wonderful to me. There were moments of "She did what?!"
A truly fascinating ride through culture,fashion,norms,social hierarchy in Korea until you turn the page and come crashing down When you realize the story is over. I hope there is a second book.I have to know what happened to their stories.

Unfortunately, this title did not grab me and hook me as I hoped that it would. Something about the writing style was a little bit off for me. While the description of this story intrigued me enough to want to read it, when I started reading it, the story fell flat. I was excited to read this book because I thoroughly enjoy watching K-Dramas and listening to K-Pop, but this story did not pique my interest. I may give it another go later on down the line.

I read this in one night. I wanted to get another book under my belt and I was so excited to get this. I was really worried that this wouldn't live up to the expectations I had, but it did. This was bold, honest and really worth the read. It was charming in its own way, and I loved the characters. Super easy read and seamless movement of narrators. It reminded me of Girl Woman Other that I just finished and loved. This was absolutely wonderful and I would highly recommend it.

I was fascinated by each character from the beginning, as well as the seemingly obsession with plastic surgery in the Korean culture. This read was hard to put down as I eagerly awaited to read how the author would finish the book. The ending ended VERY abruptly, almost as if the author needed to add an additional chapter, and I was left hanging.