Counterattacks at Thirty by Won-Pyung Sohn is a novel that revolves around a generation transitioning into adulthood and experiencing disillusionment. It starts in 1988, the year when Seoul hosted the Olympics, bringing South Korea into the global spotlight and igniting large-scale pro-democracy protests.

The protagonist, Jihye, feels invisible, much like her excessively common name. She works in an office, performing mundane tasks with no prospect of advancement. She meets peers who share her disillusionment and frustration with societal norms. Together, they retaliate against nonsensical aspects of life by engaging in a series of pranks. Ultimately, the book emphasizes how acts of solidarity and resistance, whether big or small, can be empowering. It offers a humorous and cynical perspective on reclaiming one's power.

I would like to express my appreciation to NetGalley and Harpervia for providing me with an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of the book.

Counterattacks at Thirty by Won-pyung Sohn blends office satire with a rebellious spirit. The story follows Jihye and her quirky colleagues who, under the influence of a new intern, take small but defiant stands against office tyranny, discovering the strength of unity and friendship along the way.