ISBN: 9781250229588
Published by Fewer and Friends, 2021
Genre/Format: Historical Fiction/Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Reading Level Ages 14+ (Booklist)
Book Summary: Set in 14th century Korea, Min Hwani feels compelled to return to her hometown on Jeju Island in order to discover her father's whereabouts. But secrets abound on Jeju, even to the point of not knowing how to find your hometown or even recognizing it once you get there. And the same day Hwani arrives, a girl has been found dead in the forest in the same place that Hwani and her sister were found unconscious five years earlier. Is her missing father connected to the dead girl in the forest? Or, what about the other girls in the town who have gone missing over the years? Are they connected, too?
Hwani, assisted by her estranged sister, Maewol, embarks on an investigation that peels back the layers of a sordid practice during the Joseon Dynasty. Will she be able to solve the mysteries of her missing father and the dead girl before the culprits stop her? Or will her outlandish ideas bring about her early demise?
Author Background: Born in South Korea but raised in Canada, The Forest of Stolen Girls is author June Hur's second novel. Her first novel, The Silence of the Bones also takes place during the Joseon Dynasty.
Critical Evaluation: The Forest of Stolen Girls is a historical fiction and murder mystery mash up. Although the setting and story are eerie, almost otherworldly, it is fast paced like a typical mystery. And, though the story takes place over 600 years in the past, Hwani is not a meek teenager. She boldly sets out on a daunting quest and her courage throughout the book is remarkable. Hwani is a wonderful role model, especially for teenagers who feel like they aren't strong enough to take on the world.
Speed-Round Book Talk: Investigating her father's disappearance, Min Hwani returns to her hometown which has her uncovering secrets and unravelling mysteries. Can she stay alive long enough to sort it all out?
Library Program: A perfect companion to this book is a murder mystery party for teens. These role playing games are fun and engaging while requiring some sleuthing skills of guests. With some food to keep them sated, this event will be one that teens will remember!
Potential Challenges: I do not foresee any challenges to this novel. The violence is limited and not gratuitous and is certainly not more objectionable than any other mystery or suspense novel. There is no inappropriate language or sexual innuendos, though the sex trafficking is alluded to but not discussed in detail.
Reason for Inclusion: Anyone interested in Korea, female detectives, or historical fiction would want to read this novel. It sheds light on Korea's history, not a subject that is usually a plot point in YA novels. Korean teens will be happy to see themselves represented as all different types of people in this novel, rather than as simply a stereotype.
References
About Me. (nd). junehur.com. https://junehur.com
hitsujikumo33. (nd). Jeongbang Falls Photo
Comments