Member Review
Review by
Michela D, Reviewer
When We Fell Apart, debut novel of Soon Wiley, follows the story of Min and Yu Jin. Min decided to move from America to Seoul to explore his Korean roots, while Yu Jin is currently living in the same city because of her studies. Their families and lives couldn't be more different, but they found comfort and understanding in each other. Until one day Min is informed by the police that Yu Jin has committed suicide. Shocked and confused, he is convinced there's something else going on: someone is hiding something.
When We Fell Apart may sound like a mystery novel revolving around the sudden death of Yu Jin, but as soon as I started reading it, I realized it's so much more than that. This is the story of two characters on their path towards self-discovery and self-realization: I guess that, in a sense, this could be classified as coming-of-age novel. I loved how the POVs of the two main characters, as well as their storylines, perfectly alternate and intertwine, disclosing details to the reader who can slowly find out what happened to Yu Jin before her death. More than a murder mystery, this book is about people: the suffocating love of overprotective parents, the necessity of freedom to choose who to be, the importance of being accepted. The theme of love is beautifully explored: not only the affection for Min, but also a separate queer storyline which is essential to understand Yu Jin's evolution from obedient and silent child to free and growing young woman. It's a beautiful love story, delicate and respectful, and it was heartwarming to see Yu Jin discover her true self thanks to it.
Filled with beautiful and almost poetic descriptions, Wiley takes the reader to the busy and charming streets of Seoul, filled with different cultures and personalities. Overall I found When We Fell Apart very moving and real, beautifully written and heartbreaking at times. I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did, but I think it's one of the best debut novel I've ever had the pleasure to read!
Truly a gem.
5 stars.
* I'd like to thank Soon Wiley, Dutton and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
When We Fell Apart may sound like a mystery novel revolving around the sudden death of Yu Jin, but as soon as I started reading it, I realized it's so much more than that. This is the story of two characters on their path towards self-discovery and self-realization: I guess that, in a sense, this could be classified as coming-of-age novel. I loved how the POVs of the two main characters, as well as their storylines, perfectly alternate and intertwine, disclosing details to the reader who can slowly find out what happened to Yu Jin before her death. More than a murder mystery, this book is about people: the suffocating love of overprotective parents, the necessity of freedom to choose who to be, the importance of being accepted. The theme of love is beautifully explored: not only the affection for Min, but also a separate queer storyline which is essential to understand Yu Jin's evolution from obedient and silent child to free and growing young woman. It's a beautiful love story, delicate and respectful, and it was heartwarming to see Yu Jin discover her true self thanks to it.
Filled with beautiful and almost poetic descriptions, Wiley takes the reader to the busy and charming streets of Seoul, filled with different cultures and personalities. Overall I found When We Fell Apart very moving and real, beautifully written and heartbreaking at times. I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did, but I think it's one of the best debut novel I've ever had the pleasure to read!
Truly a gem.
5 stars.
* I'd like to thank Soon Wiley, Dutton and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
