Nowhere to Be Found

I find many of the Korean works in translation challenging books and this slim volume is no exception. Essentially the story is anchored around our female protagonist trying to visit her sort-of-boyfriend off on military service. But surrounding it are explorations of ennui, familial obligations, cultural expectation and struggling in an indifferent world.

It feels deep, piercing and sharp but ultimately there are no narrative stakes here. It's like a Bergman movie in print. I just don't feel like I'm smart enough to really get it, but naturally feels like something deep thinking academics would choose to translate.