Thank you for the ARC!

Magical realism can be a real hit or miss for me but I wanted to give this a try. The first two chapters with the actual background just goes by so fast, I actually had to read the book description again to understand that the main character kills her parents by mistake due to the different nature of her powers. I’m not sure if that was intentional or a translation issue.

The rest of the book features visitors to the laundry and their stories and lessons they learn - which was nice but a little too didactic at times.

Overall, it’s a cozy read.

There was lots of great advice in this book. It really made one think about what is really important in life and letting things go. Jieun has magic and has accidentally lost her parents. In her quest to find her parents she lives many lives and this last one she is determined to help others let go of their pain by washing their stains (troubles) away. Each person she meets has had troubles in their life and you feel for each character. I'll be honest that I did find the names confusing and I was a little lost at times. The book is translated and there were things l had never heard of before like some of the food. The story was interesting in parts but I felt more like I was reading a philosophy book or self help than a fiction story. It was more about the lesson than the actual story. There was also a loose thread at the end that I wish had been resolved. Overall, not a bad story but I did have trouble staying focused at times.

Thank you to Dial Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

3.5 stars-ish

Originally a Korean novel now translated into English, the story centers around a woman, originally unnamed but eventually adopting the name Jieun, who originally grew up in a community where people have magic powers. She accidentally uses one of hers to make her parents disappear. From there, she continually reincarnates and looks for her parents in every life. In her last life, she decides to put her experience and power to heal and comfort others to use and opens a laundry that lets people leave behind memories they want to forget as stains on a shirt and helps them move forward. As she helps others, she undergoes her own healing.

It’s a cozy story and low-stakes premise that fits the trend of recently translated books from Japan and Korea that have a dash of magic and a slightly episodic narrative that seems intent on healing people and giving advice on how to live and move forward. I appreciate what it’s doing, and how it does establish the episodic character’s background and problems in a short span, but the main character who’s constant in the story doesn’t seem as well-established in comparison. Her whole background was kind of fast-forwarded in the first chapter and I was a little confused about her powers until the end. I also feel like this has the tendency to sound a little didactic and preachy; I appreciate the lessons it’s trying to impart, but they’re not exactly new or profound, and I wonder if maybe it’s more impactful in East Asian societies where sometimes expectations and conformity can feel a bit heavier, as this book emphasizes living in the now and doing what feels right for you. Also, since we don’t really know exactly what Jieun’s gone through in her many lives, her lessons didn’t pack as much a punch because we don’t know how she learned them or where they came from. It was also a little difficult for me to understand how people’s lives changed after they cleaned or uncreased the memories they wanted, like it felt more like they just listened to Jieun rather than the magic of the laundry doing anything, which lessened the impact of the premise.

The dialogue felt a little unnatural sometimes, like it really did give the vibes it was just translated rather than interpreted. Also since it didn’t have a lot of dialogue tags, it was sometimes confusing to tell who was speaking. I assume in the original Korean there was more differences in the casual/politeness that made it easier to tell who was speaking, but that was lost with the translation.

It wasn’t bad, and I was mostly engaged, and the premise was interesting. It’s a relatively short read and it reminds me of something Matt Haig would write, so if you like that, you might enjoy it, but I don’t think it quite worked for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun

This is a sweet story with lots of positive vibes!

Jieun comes from a Korean village where many of its citizens are born with special powers. Her talent and specialty is her ability to help others. So, as she deals with her own sadness at losing her parents, Jieun decides to open a “mind laundry” where people who have particularly sad memories in their lives come in to have those memories “washed” away. They are asked to put on a white T-shirt. As they decide how much of their memories they want gone, Jieun serves them a special tea and talks with each client about their heartbreaks. Their sad memories then become stains on the T-shirt, and Jieun washes them out. These people are now able to go on and live successful, happy lives -- thanks to Jieun!

It is so heartwarming to hear how Jieun listens to each person’s sad story and talks with them about life and how to make it more joyful. Along this journey, she makes new friends and learns how to make a happier life for herself.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Jungeun Yun, and Random House/The Dial Press for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Quick overview:
After her parents disappear and she discovers she has powers, Jieun spends her life bouncing around different places until she finds the perfect spot to open her Mind Laundry.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed the found family aspect and the overall concept, but I found it lacking a bit. At times it read like a self-help book or a motivational speech, which is fine, but not when that is favored over plot development. Speaking of, there really wasn't much of a plot here, more of an idea. Gave me brief reminders of Water Moon and The Full Moon Coffee Shop, though I found both of those books to be a little more compelling.

It was quite a short read, so bonus points for that. Still salty at the lack of resolution though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the chance to read this in advance in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoy magical realism and the premise was just too good to pass up!

The world building was light but overall the coziness of the story sold it for me.

I

3.5 rounded up

I’m a sucker for magical realism.

In this we have a woman who can make her wishes come true except for finding where her parents disappeared to. She helps people by washing away the stains in their lives that cause them great turmoil.

This was cute. It was a light cozy read that was very quick. I could have handled a little more depth but it was fine.

Thanks to netgalley and random house for an eARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jungeun Yun for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Marigold Mind Laundry coming out October 1, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love Korean stories. I’ve been obsessed with K-dramas for a long time, so I love more Korean books are being translated into English. This isn’t normally a book with a plot that I would pick out. NetGalley sent this book to me directly. It was a short read. I ended up really loving it. The message of the book is really interesting to me. It’s a very idealistic and childlike story. The idea of people becoming cleansed from their trials and tribulations like laundry is an interesting plot. I loved it. She was able to help heal them because of her beliefs. There aren’t a lot of characters, but I loved it. I would check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Korean stories!

This was a sweet little novel, but overall, it felt a little predictable. If you like corny and heartwarming stories, then you will definitely enjoy this one. The writing is excellent, and the translation is smooth and easy to understand. Cute novel, but not be the most memorable.

A cute quick read that has similar vibes to Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Dallergut Dream Department Store. I thought this book offered stories of what it means to be human - being hurt, having to suffer, and being in love. Overall, a cozy and comforting book to read on a rainy day.

some of the translation seemed a bit off, but I hope it doesn't take away from the actual experience of reading this. reagardless, the book digs into people's insecurities and focuses a lot on character-driven plot points. a quick magic-surrealism read.

Ever wanted to pull out your brain and give it a thorough scrub? At the Marigold Mind Laundry, you can metaphorically do that, erasing stains of loneliness, heartbreak, and anger. But you also might learn more about what you need.

I was worried about the “removing stains” idea, but this novel treats emotional stains with a lot more nuance than I had expected, recognizing that bad things happen, and that erasing them completely changes everything. The pain and sadness we’ve experienced shape how we are now. But sometimes, we could use a little sanding on the rough edges, dulling how sharp the pain can still affect us.

Usually I’m okay with vague world building, especially in this sort of fabulist story, but this one felt just too weak for me. And all of the stories were just a little too disconnected, and the last minute romance felt like an unnecessary addition, but overall this was a sweet and quick read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this arc.

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced copy of this book and audiobook for free in exchange for my review! @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

I was super excited to get approved for this book as the plot sounded amazing. I was lucky enough to get approved for both the ebook and audiobook. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this book, and I am super dissappointed about this fact, as the synopsis sounded amazing, and not to mention that this was a best seller in Asia. I am not sure what it was that I didn't like about this book. I really tried to get into this book, but the book couldn't grasp my attention.

I am hoping to try this book at another time in hopes that I may enjoy it.

oo, sad. This book has some problems in the telling that don't seem to make sense to attribute to translation errors or cultural style.

Several of the chapters are repetitive in the way that chapters in The Kamogawa Food Detectives or The Full Moon Coffee Shop are-- the shop owner explains the process to each of several characters in mostly the same way; the characters each react similarly, saying similar things and the narration reporting similar unspoken questions or feelings. However, the repetitive structure of the book fell apart a bit, and the narration was repetitive in other ways, unnecessarily.

The repetitive structure stumbled with one of the characters. Three of the laundry customers are childhood friends and a fourth customer is the parent of one of these three. Three (or all?) of these customers become friends with the shop owner, coming by for potluck get-togethers. Midway through the story, though, there is another customer that isn't attached to this group. Her experience is similar, but she never reappears in the story. This seems like an oversight in organization rather than an intentional structural change.

The narration is unnecessarily repetitive in places. This seems like an attempt to make the reader believe something that isn't otherwise supported by the text. For example, the story specifies that the main character will live a series of lives until she has mastered her magical gifts and found her family. At some point-- seemingly almost randomly-- she realizes for some reason that this may be her last life. The realization and resignation to this fact is repeated often, even though it doesn't make sense-- she hasn't done either of things necessary to bring it about. As another example, it's mentioned almost offhandedly that the main character used to provide a similar service using tea, and she still makes it for customers. Each time she makes tea, it's repeated that this used to be how she used her magic and it's still magical, but it's no longer her focus. None of these repetitions expand on this history or explain any facet of this, just repeat it over and over.

None of the characters-- and particularly not the main character-- seem to grow when off-page. The book is set over a centuries-long life, in the case of the main character, with the majority of the story taking place over several months. While actions the characters have taken or changes they've experienced in their lives are recounted, none of them experience any growth off-screen. The main character in particular is reported to have lived hundreds of years essentially wallowing in loneliness and guilt without experiencing even a shred of growth.

I would call this story more magical realism over paranormal-- there isn't a magic system accessed by spells or potions, only innate magical ability that some are born with. The unmagical characters learn of this magic at their first meeting with the main character and accept it without question, even though magic isn't part of the dominant culture.

eARC from NetGalley.

Idk what to say about this one really. I enjoyed it though. It felt cozy and it’s such an interesting premise. The idea of being able to wash worries away in the laundry. I liked hearing the stories of the different people who came to the laundry and wanted to get rid of painful memories.

If you like translated fiction, and stories with a bit of magic, pick this one up.

Thx PRH Audio for the ALC.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, The Dial Press. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Asian Literature, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction, Philosophy
Language: Some swearing

Here's my next Asian author's book. MARIGOLD MIND LAUNDRY reminds me a little of the The Dallergut Dream Department Store because of the airy, fanciful way of telling the story. But this one is about how to change the vision you have of your life, and regrets, and finding happiness. It's also one continuous story instead of short snippets.

I think anyone who wants to read Asian Literature will enjoy this book. There's a sweetness to it, sort of like The Little Prince. There's loss, hope, pain, hurt, change, and love.

Happy reading!

While very whimsical and wholesome, not a lot of angst but lots of found family and self-reflection, Marigold Mind Laundry was generally just too vague to enjoy. I did not understand anything that happened in the beginning, which tainted the rest of my reading experience. I had no idea what happened with her parents and why our MC was immortal. The explanation was convoluted and kind of brushed over, in my opinion. I did like the rest of the novel, although I feel it did get repetitive at times. The dialogue seemed cliche and awkward, but I'm inclined to think that, based on the handful of translated South Korean works I've read up to now, their language is a bit more formal and stilted than English speakers'.

Marigold Mind Laundry invites readers into a magical laundromat run by Jieun, who possessed the ability to erase or ease painful memories. After accidentally causing her family to vanish, Jieun dedicates part of herself helping others to heal during her search. Later on, when she creates her laundromat, Jieun fully transforms and dedicates herself fully into healing everyone and herself.

The story delves deeply into the themes of healing and connection, exploring how relationships - both with family and found family - shape our emotional journeys. It highlights complex dynamics such as pain of loss and the struggles to reconcile past traumas. Through Jieun's interactions with her customers, we witness how their shared experience of grief and heartache create a bond that transcends traditional notions of family, suggesting that healing often comes from unexpected connections.

Marigold Mind Laundry encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and importance of community in the healing process. By fostering connections with others, we can find solace, strength, and a sense of belonging, proving that the journey toward emotional well-being is often shared.

I am extremely grateful to Netgalley and the Author for provided this translated ARC for an honest review.

***Possible Spoilers***

Phrases that I will cherish:

"No one in this world is pristine"
"People have less interest in you than you'd think"
"By simply existing in the world, you're shining like a star"

Quote by Alfred D. Sonza that was the perfect reminder of life:

"Dance, like nobody is watching you.
Love, like you've never been hurt.
Sing, like nobody is listening to you.
Work, like you don't need the money.
Live, like today is you las day to live."

“It was a space where stains of the heart would be removed and wrinkled feelings ironed.”

Jieun has the power to erase memories or sooth strong feelings from the past. Having lived many lives before this one, she lands in the quiet town of Marigold and takes over a laundromat next to a snack shop. This is a collection of stories from her patrons but also her own thoughtful journey as well.

Cozy fantasy and lovers of Korean culture (and food) will enjoy this quiet and touching tale of renewed outlooks and moving on. The group of characters was very endearing. The vibe very reminiscent of Before the Coffee Gets Cold. And for Korean drama watchers reminded me of Mystic Pop-up Bar and Hometown Cha-Cha. Lots of good quiet reflection about life and I kind of liked that it read like a self-help book in a sense. But I still found the warmth to be there, especially in the food descriptions! It’ll make you crave some freshly laundered sheets and a kimbap snack!

I usually like this genre of book with a lesson of positivity in.
And also one of my favorite books is a Korean one, the bestseller Almond. So I was very excited to read Marigold mind Laundry.
Unfortunately I felt like some parts where not being well explained, considering it has so much magic on it, I would have liked to have more details about how everything works to understand it.
Also more details about the characters itself, because I felt like I couldn't really connect to them.
The idea of the book itself it's really interesting, and I can see the author is very creative, I see a lot of potential on her further work, but I finished this one with a feeling that it could have been kinda better.

Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!