4 korean fiction books about family and identity

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-mi Hwang

Summary: A barnyard hen named Sprout escapes her life of laying eggs to chase her dream of motherhood and freedom. Along the way, she learns about resilience, love, and sacrifice.

Themes: Freedom, motherhood, individuality, sacrifice, and self-actualization.

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin

Summary: When an elderly mother goes missing in a crowded Seoul subway station, her family is forced to reflect on their memories of her, uncovering long-ignored truths about her sacrifices and their own lives.

Themes: Motherhood, identity, guilt, familial neglect, memory, and the emotional invisibility of women.

The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon

Summary: A burned-out young man finds unexpected comfort and a new sense of purpose while working at a small convenience store, forming bonds with quirky customers and co-workers. she struggles to connect with others while seeking peace and identity.

Themes: Redemption, human connection, healing, self-discovery, and second chances.

Violets by Kyung-Sook Shin

Summary: A quiet florist named San grapples with feelings of loneliness and alienation as she navigates life in 1990s Seoul. Haunted by past trauma, she struggles to connect with others while seeking peace and identity.

Themes: Loneliness, gender, trauma, memory, self-worth, and longing for connection.