Description
A sweeping, multi-generational tale blending fable, farce, and fantasy–a masterpiece of modern fiction perfect for fans of One Hundred Years of Solitude.
A woman sells her daughter to a passing beekeeper for two jars of honey. A baby weighing fifteen pounds is born in the depths of winter but named “Girl of Spring”. A storm brings down the roof of a ramshackle restaurant to reveal a hidden fortune. These are just some of the events that set Myeong-Kwan Cheong’s beautifully crafted, wild world in motion.
Set in a remote village in South Korea, Whale follows the lives of its linked characters: Geumbok, who has been chasing an indescribable thrill ever since she first saw a whale crest in the ocean; her mute daughter, Chunhui, who communicates with elephants; and a one-eyed woman who controls honeybees with a whistle.
Brimming with surprises and wicked humour, Whale is an adventure-satire of epic proportions, by one of international literature’s the most original voices.
“A DISTINCTLY KOREAN TAKE ON GREAT EXPECTATIONS, A TALE OF ASPIRATION AND FOLLY PUNCTUATED WITH BRICKS AND DRIED FISH.” Financial Times
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
“Finding books like this is why I read books in translation – they open up other worlds for me.” HANNAH on NETGALLEY
“A distinctive and fascinating novel.” PAUL on NETGALLEY
“Fantastic and bizarre and tragic multi generational saga with memorable characters.” CHIARA on NETGALLEY
“It makes me want to read more Korean literature.” KATIE on NETGALLEY
