Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Lemon by Kwon Yeo-Son is a collection of short stories that explore the themes of loneliness, alienation, and human connection in contemporary Korea. The author’s style is minimalist, yet poignant, creating vivid images and emotions with a few words. The stories range from realistic to surreal, but all share a common thread of empathy and insight into the lives of ordinary people.

The title story, Lemon, tells the tale of a young woman who works as a lemonade vendor at a park. She has a crush on a regular customer, a middle-aged man who always buys a cup of lemonade from her. One day, he invites her to his apartment, where she discovers his obsession with lemons and his tragic past. The story is a bittersweet exploration of loneliness and longing, as well as the power of simple gestures.

Another story, The Sound of Rain, follows a man who suffers from insomnia and anxiety. He finds solace in listening to the sound of rain, which he records and plays back every night. He becomes obsessed with finding the perfect rain sound, and travels to different places in search of it. Along the way, he meets various people who share their stories and struggles with him. The story is a meditation on the healing effects of nature and human connection, as well as the search for meaning and peace.

The other stories in the collection are equally captivating and moving, each offering a glimpse into the lives of different characters who face their own challenges and dilemmas. Kwon Yeo-Son’s writing is elegant and subtle, conveying a lot with a little. Lemon is a book that will make you feel, think, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of life. 🍋

A teenage girl is murdered in Korea in 2002. The case quickly becomes notorious and is known as the High School Beauty Murder. Kim Hae-on was known for her beauty, by far the most beautiful girl in her class. There are two main suspects. The most popular, richest boy in the class was seen driving Kim Hae-on in his truck that day. A delivery boy goes to the police and says he had seen her with that boy but he is himself considered a suspect and soon the main one. Both boys' alibis cannot be shaken and the case goes cold.

The story of this murder is told through the voices of various people impacted by the case. These include the delivery boy as he is interrogated, the police detective in charge of the case, Kim Hae-on's little sister, the girlfriend of the rich boy who was with Kim that day and the delivery boy's sister. The timing of the story is split into two time periods; the actual time of the murder and seventeen years afterward when those affected have tried to move on with their lives.

This novel received lots of attention. It was a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice as well as a Crimereads Best International Crime Novel and a Ms Magazine Most Anticipated Book Of The Year. It explores the effect of a crime on those who knew and loved the victim and on those suspected of a crime. As the years go by without a solution, some are able to push the crime into the deepest recesses of their minds while others find themselves unable to move on in their lives. Kwon Yeo-sun is a South Korean writer whose work focuses on those who are in unconventional relationships and how society views them. This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.

I really wanted to love this but I just didn't connect with it. The male narrator I really disliked - I don't know if it was him overall but some male narrators voice female characters in a certain way that I just find uncomfortable to listen to - and I don't know why - and this was one of them.
I don't even really know what happened in this book. Unfortunately just not one for me

This was a really interesting novel told from three different perspectives about the murder of a school girl, but ultimately, I was left wanting a bit more. I thought that the mystery element of the novel was a bit lackluster, but the character study element was very well done. I liked the structure of the narrative and particularly enjoyed the one-sided conversations with the doctor. I enjoyed the multi-cast aspect of the audiobook and thought that all three narrators did a good job. Overall, for such a short book, this does achieve a lot in terms of gender exploration, the pressure of beauty standards in Korea and the nature of class distinctions. I just wish that the crime element was more of a focus of the plot as opposed to a jumping off point.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a well narrated audiobook. It portrait the characters well. The story was not something that will stay with me forever. But I enjoyed it for what it was.

I quite enjoyed that this was a murder-mystery that focused less on the mystery itself and more on the people that were affected by the murder. It was different to what I was expecting but I thin upon a reread, knowing what I'm going into and what the authors intention is, I will enjoy it more and have a higher rating.

I struggled a little with this novella as it's quite choppy, spans over many years and we're left more with hints than a direct answer to who the murderer is. I think Yeo-San has created a very intriguing short-story here, and while it packed a punch in its few pages, I think it could've been a bit longer. I liked what the author was trying to accomplish, I just wish there was more depth to the characters, I felt very detached and therefore wasn't as drawn in.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: I thought this audiobook was really well done, and made for a pleasant reading experience. It was much easier to determine who was speaking when with the multiple POVs and voices. I would absolutely recommend reading Lemon either as audio or have the audio going while reading the physical - I did a combination of both. I was definitely more engrossed than I would've been without the audio.

I hope what Kwon Yeo-Sun publishes next will be translated again, I would absolutely pick it up.

Thanks you #HeadofZeus and #NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of Lemon.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* different for sure and a but confusing if you are expecting a solid answer, but it was a pretty good read still

i really enjoyed this book, but it wasn't really my cup of tea. a classic mystery thriller told from three different povs but i still wanted more? it was a fun read either way!

- thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

This was an intriguing book with an intricate intertwining of characters and point-of-views. The language is very descriptive and brings the people and their surroundings to life.

"Lemon", by Kwon Yeo-Son, translated by Janet Hong, is a mystery novella originally published in Korean in 2019. It centers around the murder of a high school girl, and the investigation of the two main suspects in the case. More so than the investigation, though, the book focuses on the way the murder impacted the lives of the victim's family members, and the suspects in the case over seventeen years. There are three points of view in the story: the victim's sister and two of the victim's classmates. The same event is seen through different perspectives, and each new point of view adds clues to the murder mystery. The ending is ambiguous, and while the mystery felt resolved enough by the end, it was never specifically spelled out. The reading experience to me was reminiscent of "The Aosawa Murders", by Riku Onda, which was one of my favorite books that came out in translation last year. I feel fans of "The Aosawa Murders" would really appreciate "Lemon".

The narration, performed by Greg Chun, Greta Jung, and Jaine Ye, was engaging. The whole thing was a little over 3 hours, so I listened to it in one go, but upon finishing it I thought it may have been best enjoyed if I read it by myself. That is not anything negative about the audiobook though. It is because, despite the short length of the novel and the "bingeability" of the audiobook, there are a lot of layers to the story that are better not rushed through. Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media / Recorded Books for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was definitely not the thriller I was expecting and just as I was getting into the storyline and recognising the characters the book ended at chapter 7

Glad I had got this free as its not value for money

In the summer of 2002, the summer Korea hosted the world cup, Kim Hae-on was killed in what becomes known as the High School Beauty Murder. But you can't categorize this novel as a mystery per se, it's more like the impact her death left, and how they cope with it.
The novel was told by different characters with different perspective for nineteen years.

I enjoyed it very much. And I felt for the characters.

During the summer of 2002, eighteen-year-old Kim Hae-on was murdered. Although the police investigated and had two notable suspects, the cases quickly grew cold.

Cold that is for the police, but for Hae-on’s family and friends, the case burned white hot. Her sister, Da-on has been traumatized by the event and is unable to move past it. Seventeen years later, Da-on and two of Hae-on’s friends, who were also deeply affected, decide to conduct their own investigation.

This short novel moves between Da-on and the two friends as narrators, but it is almost impossible to determine who is speaking. You can imagine how confusing this was to read! Still I was able to piece it together through the chapter titles. I think.

This is a crime novel which is unlike any other crime novel I have ever read. “But identifying the perpetrator is not the main objective here: Kwon Yeo-sun uses this well-worn form to craft a searing, timely exploration of privilege, jealousy, trauma, and how we live with the wrongs we have endured and inflicted in turn.”

Sometime I felt as if I had read this book twice by the time I was finished with it because I had to read most chapters twice to really understand what was happening. I was intrigued with the format.

However, by the end, I’m not sure if the killer was named, and if it was who it was. Therefore, “Lemon” receives 2 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.
SHORTS, 2002

I IMAGINE what happened inside the police interrogation room so many years ago. By imagine, I don't mean invent. But it's not like I was actually there, so I don't know what else to call it. I picture the scene from that day, based on what he told me and some other clues, my own experience and conclusions. It's not just this scene I imagine. For over sixteen years, I've pondered, prodded, and worked every detail embroiled in the case known as "The High School Beauty Murder"--to the point I often fool myself into thinking I personally witnessed the circumstances now stamped on my mind's eye. The imagination just as painful as reality. No, it's more painful. After all, what you imagine has no limit or end.

What do you think of that intro? This was a short novella, just 147 pages. It was an excellent translation from the Korean by Janet Kong.

Brief Review: This was a very different kind of story from anything I've read in a while. Each of the eight chapters held me captivated and my mind guessing as I tried to piece together how exactly this 2002 murder of Kim Hae, a high school beauty, would play out. The story takes us back (17) years earlier to a time when there were two male suspects from different social classes but, since there was no concrete evidence the case eventually went cold.

The story is told from (3) POVs: the victim's younger sister and (2) former classmates of the deceased. More than solving the crime itself, this is a story that focuses on how the those impacted by the victim's death have dealt with what has happened. This was a rather quick read that left me thinking; I was happy I had the chance to read it.

This book has interesting insights into Korean culture and had the characters been more thoroughly explored, it could have been a great novel! The main issue is that this novel has no focus, and is not sure what it wants to be. Is this a thriller? A crime novel? Not really... I am not exactly sure what it is, though. Maybe the author was too ambitious in trying to bring to many ideas together at once.
It is an interesting read, but ultimately lacks confidence.

Interesting but not really my cup of tea. A mystery thriller crime. International thriller taking place during a historic sporting event as a cover. Well written I just personally couldn’t get into the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was so happy to be approved to listen to this advanced readers copy audio book. It’s not your traditional type of book being that it’s translated from another language, but I think that adds a unique element. Highly suggested that readers take this into account when immersing themselves in the story.

The story unfolds with different angles of a tragic event and how it has shaped and impacted the various individuals involved. Definitely not your typical psychological thriller or mystery, which makes the readers look beyond and actually think rather than just sit back and be entertained. Characters struggle with various emotions and traumas as they traverse into adulthood. What’s clear is that there are no easy answers. You see lots of other social dilemmas at play which makes this story even more poignant. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you thinking try Lemon.

Special thanks to #RBMedia #Lemon #NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book before it’s release

Unfortunately, this book really didn't do anything for me. I listened to it last week and I've already forgotten most of what happened in it. The writing was okay, but it did not have much of the murder mystery that the description led me to expect.

I really enjoyed this short novel. The story evolves around the death of a female character. Following the investigation of the murder it really eerie psychological novel. I listened to the audiobook and liked the fact it had multiple narrators that added great atmosphere and tension. The fact it follows 3 different perspectives was very good I enjoyed that aspect. It is not your normal psychological thriller it has a great air of mystery to it.its a really who done it. I loved its very unique story-line. As the story spans over 20 years, I did get a little confused st times as the story jumps through different time lines. I love reading books set in Asia especially when they involve lots about cultures and traditions. I found the sister really creepy which is especially good for the upcoming season if you are not into horror books. If your looking for a complete novel with a satisfying solved ending avoid this book. Although you are led to think who the killer is it is left open without confirmation of who you think it is but that didn't both me . I reckon I had it worked out. Im really glad I read this book.
Many thanks to the author a publishing team for bring us this great complex and unique short story to life.

‘At last a door that had been shut for a long time was opening, and radiant light came flooding in. And so began the revenge of the yellow angel. Lemon, I muttered. Like a chant of revenge, I muttered: Lemon, lemon, lemon.’

My thanks to RB Media Recorded Books for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘Lemon’ by Kwon Yeo-sun. It was translated from the Korean by Janet Hong.

The audiobook is narrated by Greg Chun, Greta Jung, and Jaine Ye and has a running time of 3 hours, 15 minutes at 1x speed.

‘Lemon’ is a literary crime novel that explores the reverberations that follow in the wake of an unsolved crime. In 2002 Kim Hae-on, an ethereally beautiful nineteen-year-old, was murdered in what became known as the High School Beauty Murder. There were two suspects: Shin Jeongjun, a rich boy who had a rock-solid alibi, and Han Manu, a delivery boy that the police had tried unsuccessfully to pin evidence on, much to their frustration. The case went cold.

Seventeen years pass and Hae-on’s younger sister Da-on, remains paralysed by grief and uncertainty. She sets out to find the truth about what happened to her sister, no matter the cost.

The novella shifts between the perspectives of Da-on and two of Hae-on's classmates: Yun Taerim, who had considered Hae-on a rival, and Sanghui, who had been fascinated by Hae-on’s beauty. While somewhat of an outsider, Sanghui interacts with Da-on over their mutual interest in poetry and literature. I found Sanghui the most relatable of the three women.

While this crime is at the heart of ‘Lemon’, Kwon Yeo-sun uses the murder as a way to explore the ramifications of Hae-on’s death upon the lives of her family and others who knew her.

I was absolutely blown away by ‘Lemon’, finding its plot amazing and Kwon Yeo-sun’s writing powerful, atmospheric, and compelling. Yet I will admit that as I reached the end I was a bit perplexed about a few things. Given its length, I decided to return to the beginning and on my second reading these elements slotted into place. In this respect I felt that it was a far more challenging read than the usual whodunnit and so required a closer reading.

In terms of its audiobook edition, having three narrators worked well as it allowed each of the narrative viewpoints a distinct voice. In addition, I felt that its structure was well suited to the audiobook format.

I expect that ‘Lemon’ will stay with me for a long time. I may recommend it as a 2022 selection for my reading group given its combination of beautiful writing, richness of ideas and strong characterisations. I also wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up long/short-listed for the 2022 International Booker Prize.

Highly recommended.