The Healing Season of Pottery
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
This cozy, romantic novel about one woman's desire to heal herself through art is perfect for fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and What You Are Looking for Is in the Library.
Burned out by her TV news writing job, Jungmin leaves in an attempt to salvage her life. When she stumbles upon a mysterious pottery studio, she feels immediately at home. The warmth, the smell of clay, and the incredible coffee awaken her senses and make her feel alive for the first time in months.
Over the coming year, season by season, pot by pot, Jungmin returns to herself and builds unexpected friendships with the other members of the studio, who are all working through their own trials at the pottery wheel. She connects with one student in particular, whose relationship with his girlfriend has begun to fray, and the two form a special bond.
Eventually, Jungmin realizes she might be open to love again—but should she take the risk?
In her English-language debut (translated by Clare Richards), rising Korean literary star Yeon Somin shares a testament to the joys and power of slowing down in a fast-paced world and an homage to the art of ceramics, as she immerses listeners in a world they won't want to leave after the final word.
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“Clay can be salvaged…Jungmin whispered.”
Perfect read for springtime. A story of renewal, clay work is a metaphor for life. Using the steps required to make a piece of pottery is mirrored in the protagonist's own life as she takes her first steps to reshape her’s.
Jungmin is burnt out. Stress in a highly demanding and thankless job causes her to throw it all in. Little by little she kind of becomes a shut-in. She finally musters a little courage to take a walk and stumbles upon a pottery shop. The subtleties used by the owner (life coach) to get Jungmin to stay and give pottery work a try is masterful.
Life is malleable. It takes a steady dose of patience and persistence to make something out of it that you can use and that will bring you satisfaction. It is unique and its imperfections should also be embraced as sometimes it’s the imperfections that bring the piece character and draws others in.
Now, what I am describing are lessons that are delicately woven into the story. The author’s use of language is soft and relaxing, and she takes great care not to beat you over the head with the moral of the story. A friend recommended this one and I am glad Libby came through when it did. Thanks for the recommendation, Elwira! Very sweet story.
