Review: Lemon

Lemon book cover

Lemon
By Kwon Yeo-sunJanet Hong (Translated)
Other Press, 9781635423310, August 2022. 160pp.

The Short of It:

At its heart, Lemon is a crime novel, but it’s actually so much more.

The Rest of It:

In the summer of 2002, when Korea is abuzz over hosting the FIFA World Cup, eighteen-year-old Kim Hae-on is killed in what becomes known as the High School Beauty Murder. Two suspects quickly emerge: rich kid Shin Jeongjun, whose car Hae-on was last seen in, and delivery boy Han Manu, who witnessed her there just a few hours before her death. But when Jeongjun’s alibi checks out, and no evidence can be pinned on Manu, the case goes cold. ~ Indiebound

If you pick this book up expecting it to read like a typical crime novel, you will be disappointed. It slowly unfolds but if you aren’t careful, you’ll miss all the tiny details. The author tells the story with great detail, and yet you will be slightly puzzled when you turn the last page because it will appear as if nothing has been determined, but as someone in my book club said, the clues are right there.

This is a short novel at only 160 pages but it’s so full and satisfying to read. It can be read in one sitting but you will want to savor it a little to catch all the nuances the author so skillfully crafted. I don’t want to share too much here but it’s very good. I highly recommend it.

Source: Purchased
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.

Whatnot – 09/28/22

Cormac McCarthy books.Hello, friends. How are you? I am totally getting into the idea of Autumn even though it’s still over 100 here. This past weekend I went looking for the perfect fall candle but did not find it. All the candles this year smell very artificial. What is your favorite candle brand? Mine is Capri Blue but I burn through them pretty fast and they are pricey.

I’ve received many buzzy books lately. Those two above are the newest from Cormac McCarthy. It’s hard to get through so many buzzy books when you also want to linger in them for a really long time. Today I brought my Kindle to work so I can put a dent in some of my review reading. If alone, I can read quite a bit over lunch.

Are you a Hocus Pocus fan? When I first saw  it years ago I didn’t get the hype. But now, I am totally into it and it really feels like fall when I watch it. I believe Hocus Pocus 2 is out this weekend so I must plan a re-watch before then. I think it’s sweet that all the main actors returned for it. Hocus Pocus 2 Character Posters: The Sanderson Sisters Are Bewitching

I am headed into fall fully boosted with the new vaccine and tacked on my flu shot for good measure. I do not need the creeping crud of any variety, especially since we will be traveling before Thanksgiving.

Tonight, after work, I am going to sit down and plan an event that I’ve been thinking about. These days, if I am not very intentional with my planning then it doesn’t happen.

That’s really all I have. If I can get a review written I will schedule it for later this week. Take care!

Chatting with friends about books and life…