The Best Girls
Ratings12
Average rating4.2
Inspired by a true event, this powerful short story from the author of National Book Award finalist Pachinko explores the meaning of patriarchy and the cost of female silence through the eyes of a dutiful young girl.
An excellent student from a poor, traditional family in Seoul, the narrator has absorbed the same message her whole life. Only a boy can provide the family with dignity and wealth. Not her. Not her three sisters. Receiving approval only for uncomplaining sacrifice, she has resolved to take on her family’s troubles. She is a good girl. And she knows what good girls must do.
The Best Girls is part of Disorder, a collection of six short stories of living nightmares, chilling visions, and uncanny imagination that explore a world losing its balance in terrifying ways. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single disorienting sitting.
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1 primary book#1 in Disorder
Disorder is a 1-book series first released in 2019 with contributions by Min Jin Lee.
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Sad and Chilling Tale
This is a sad and chilling tale of the effects of sexism, neglect, and depression on a young girl's psyche. I don't want to spoil anything, as I feel this story is best read without knowing what to expect.
While certainly a quick read, this tale of poverty, family, and the impact of gender roles is interesting and evocative of emotions. There's Korean strewn throughout with enough context to get the gist of what the terms mean, but I used the lookup feature in my kindle often just to make sure I had proper understanding (and to broaden my knowledge).
I liked this story quite a bit.
