In the evening of his life, a wealthy man begins to wonder if he might have missed the point, in Hwang Sok-yong’s wise and thoughtful novel. Translated by Sora Kim-Russell.

Park Minwoo is a success. Born into poverty in Seoul, he has ridden the wave of development in a rapidly modernising society. His hard work and ambition have brought him wealth and satisfaction. But when his company is investigated for corruption, he’s forced to reconsider his role in the transformation of his country. At the same time, he receives an unexpected message from a woman that he once loved, and then betrayed. As memories return unbidden, he begins to reassess his successful life.

Longlisted
The Man Booker International Prize 2019
Published by
Scribe
Publication date
Hwang Sok-yong

Hwang Sok-yong

About the Author

Hwang Sok-yong was born in 1943 and is arguably Korea’s most renowned author.
More about Hwang Sok-yong
Sora Kim-Russell

Sora Kim-Russell

About the Translator

Sora Kim-Russell has translated works by Pyun Hye-young, Kim Un-su, Hwang Sok-yong, and Bae Suah, among others.
More about Sora Kim-Russell

Other nominated books by Hwang Sok-yong

Book cover of Mater 2-10 by Hwang Sok-yong, showing a train and tall water tower.

Other nominated books by Sora Kim-Russell

Book cover of Mater 2-10 by Hwang Sok-yong, showing a train and tall water tower.