Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jungeun Yun for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Marigold Mind Laundry coming out October 1, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love Korean stories. I’ve been obsessed with K-dramas for a long time, so I love more Korean books are being translated into English. This isn’t normally a book with a plot that I would pick out. NetGalley sent this book to me directly. It was a short read. I ended up really loving it. The message of the book is really interesting to me. It’s a very idealistic and childlike story. The idea of people becoming cleansed from their trials and tribulations like laundry is an interesting plot. I loved it. She was able to help heal them because of her beliefs. There aren’t a lot of characters, but I loved it. I would check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Korean stories!

This was a sweet little novel, but overall, it felt a little predictable. If you like corny and heartwarming stories, then you will definitely enjoy this one. The writing is excellent, and the translation is smooth and easy to understand. Cute novel, but not be the most memorable.

A cute quick read that has similar vibes to Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Dallergut Dream Department Store. I thought this book offered stories of what it means to be human - being hurt, having to suffer, and being in love. Overall, a cozy and comforting book to read on a rainy day.

some of the translation seemed a bit off, but I hope it doesn't take away from the actual experience of reading this. reagardless, the book digs into people's insecurities and focuses a lot on character-driven plot points. a quick magic-surrealism read.

Ever wanted to pull out your brain and give it a thorough scrub? At the Marigold Mind Laundry, you can metaphorically do that, erasing stains of loneliness, heartbreak, and anger. But you also might learn more about what you need.

I was worried about the “removing stains” idea, but this novel treats emotional stains with a lot more nuance than I had expected, recognizing that bad things happen, and that erasing them completely changes everything. The pain and sadness we’ve experienced shape how we are now. But sometimes, we could use a little sanding on the rough edges, dulling how sharp the pain can still affect us.

Usually I’m okay with vague world building, especially in this sort of fabulist story, but this one felt just too weak for me. And all of the stories were just a little too disconnected, and the last minute romance felt like an unnecessary addition, but overall this was a sweet and quick read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this arc.

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced copy of this book and audiobook for free in exchange for my review! @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

I was super excited to get approved for this book as the plot sounded amazing. I was lucky enough to get approved for both the ebook and audiobook. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this book, and I am super dissappointed about this fact, as the synopsis sounded amazing, and not to mention that this was a best seller in Asia. I am not sure what it was that I didn't like about this book. I really tried to get into this book, but the book couldn't grasp my attention.

I am hoping to try this book at another time in hopes that I may enjoy it.

oo, sad. This book has some problems in the telling that don't seem to make sense to attribute to translation errors or cultural style.

Several of the chapters are repetitive in the way that chapters in The Kamogawa Food Detectives or The Full Moon Coffee Shop are-- the shop owner explains the process to each of several characters in mostly the same way; the characters each react similarly, saying similar things and the narration reporting similar unspoken questions or feelings. However, the repetitive structure of the book fell apart a bit, and the narration was repetitive in other ways, unnecessarily.

The repetitive structure stumbled with one of the characters. Three of the laundry customers are childhood friends and a fourth customer is the parent of one of these three. Three (or all?) of these customers become friends with the shop owner, coming by for potluck get-togethers. Midway through the story, though, there is another customer that isn't attached to this group. Her experience is similar, but she never reappears in the story. This seems like an oversight in organization rather than an intentional structural change.

The narration is unnecessarily repetitive in places. This seems like an attempt to make the reader believe something that isn't otherwise supported by the text. For example, the story specifies that the main character will live a series of lives until she has mastered her magical gifts and found her family. At some point-- seemingly almost randomly-- she realizes for some reason that this may be her last life. The realization and resignation to this fact is repeated often, even though it doesn't make sense-- she hasn't done either of things necessary to bring it about. As another example, it's mentioned almost offhandedly that the main character used to provide a similar service using tea, and she still makes it for customers. Each time she makes tea, it's repeated that this used to be how she used her magic and it's still magical, but it's no longer her focus. None of these repetitions expand on this history or explain any facet of this, just repeat it over and over.

None of the characters-- and particularly not the main character-- seem to grow when off-page. The book is set over a centuries-long life, in the case of the main character, with the majority of the story taking place over several months. While actions the characters have taken or changes they've experienced in their lives are recounted, none of them experience any growth off-screen. The main character in particular is reported to have lived hundreds of years essentially wallowing in loneliness and guilt without experiencing even a shred of growth.

I would call this story more magical realism over paranormal-- there isn't a magic system accessed by spells or potions, only innate magical ability that some are born with. The unmagical characters learn of this magic at their first meeting with the main character and accept it without question, even though magic isn't part of the dominant culture.

eARC from NetGalley.

Idk what to say about this one really. I enjoyed it though. It felt cozy and it’s such an interesting premise. The idea of being able to wash worries away in the laundry. I liked hearing the stories of the different people who came to the laundry and wanted to get rid of painful memories.

If you like translated fiction, and stories with a bit of magic, pick this one up.

Thx PRH Audio for the ALC.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, The Dial Press. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Asian Literature, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction, Philosophy
Language: Some swearing

Here's my next Asian author's book. MARIGOLD MIND LAUNDRY reminds me a little of the The Dallergut Dream Department Store because of the airy, fanciful way of telling the story. But this one is about how to change the vision you have of your life, and regrets, and finding happiness. It's also one continuous story instead of short snippets.

I think anyone who wants to read Asian Literature will enjoy this book. There's a sweetness to it, sort of like The Little Prince. There's loss, hope, pain, hurt, change, and love.

Happy reading!

While very whimsical and wholesome, not a lot of angst but lots of found family and self-reflection, Marigold Mind Laundry was generally just too vague to enjoy. I did not understand anything that happened in the beginning, which tainted the rest of my reading experience. I had no idea what happened with her parents and why our MC was immortal. The explanation was convoluted and kind of brushed over, in my opinion. I did like the rest of the novel, although I feel it did get repetitive at times. The dialogue seemed cliche and awkward, but I'm inclined to think that, based on the handful of translated South Korean works I've read up to now, their language is a bit more formal and stilted than English speakers'.

Marigold Mind Laundry invites readers into a magical laundromat run by Jieun, who possessed the ability to erase or ease painful memories. After accidentally causing her family to vanish, Jieun dedicates part of herself helping others to heal during her search. Later on, when she creates her laundromat, Jieun fully transforms and dedicates herself fully into healing everyone and herself.

The story delves deeply into the themes of healing and connection, exploring how relationships - both with family and found family - shape our emotional journeys. It highlights complex dynamics such as pain of loss and the struggles to reconcile past traumas. Through Jieun's interactions with her customers, we witness how their shared experience of grief and heartache create a bond that transcends traditional notions of family, suggesting that healing often comes from unexpected connections.

Marigold Mind Laundry encourages readers to reflect on their own relationships and importance of community in the healing process. By fostering connections with others, we can find solace, strength, and a sense of belonging, proving that the journey toward emotional well-being is often shared.

I am extremely grateful to Netgalley and the Author for provided this translated ARC for an honest review.

***Possible Spoilers***

Phrases that I will cherish:

"No one in this world is pristine"
"People have less interest in you than you'd think"
"By simply existing in the world, you're shining like a star"

Quote by Alfred D. Sonza that was the perfect reminder of life:

"Dance, like nobody is watching you.
Love, like you've never been hurt.
Sing, like nobody is listening to you.
Work, like you don't need the money.
Live, like today is you las day to live."

“It was a space where stains of the heart would be removed and wrinkled feelings ironed.”

Jieun has the power to erase memories or sooth strong feelings from the past. Having lived many lives before this one, she lands in the quiet town of Marigold and takes over a laundromat next to a snack shop. This is a collection of stories from her patrons but also her own thoughtful journey as well.

Cozy fantasy and lovers of Korean culture (and food) will enjoy this quiet and touching tale of renewed outlooks and moving on. The group of characters was very endearing. The vibe very reminiscent of Before the Coffee Gets Cold. And for Korean drama watchers reminded me of Mystic Pop-up Bar and Hometown Cha-Cha. Lots of good quiet reflection about life and I kind of liked that it read like a self-help book in a sense. But I still found the warmth to be there, especially in the food descriptions! It’ll make you crave some freshly laundered sheets and a kimbap snack!

I usually like this genre of book with a lesson of positivity in.
And also one of my favorite books is a Korean one, the bestseller Almond. So I was very excited to read Marigold mind Laundry.
Unfortunately I felt like some parts where not being well explained, considering it has so much magic on it, I would have liked to have more details about how everything works to understand it.
Also more details about the characters itself, because I felt like I couldn't really connect to them.
The idea of the book itself it's really interesting, and I can see the author is very creative, I see a lot of potential on her further work, but I finished this one with a feeling that it could have been kinda better.

Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!

"Our feelings are ours to decide, and there's always happiness within us. The weather in our hearts is our and ours alone. By choosing to be happy, even when the days are filled with thunderstorms, the gentle moonlight in our hearts can still bring about peace "

What an absolutely stunning book! This quote above is so beautiful, honest and heart wrenching. This whole book truly was so beautiful. This kind of the reminded me of a cozy version of the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It was sad, humorous and full of the mistakes we all make throughout our lives. What is important is we see them, acknowledge them but we don't let them consume us and prohibit us from living our lives. Jungeun Yun quickly became one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to see what story she's comes up with next!

This book is a magical realism story about a laundromat owner who uses magic to wash away the stains people are carrying in their hearts. This is a very character driven book rather than plot driven. It was magical, even whimsical at times, but I also found it confusing as the book kept shifting character focus, sometimes so suddenly that I struggled to keep track. I also didn't fully understand the magic or the main character's situation. It had some good sentiments at times, but it failed to suck me in and get me invested in the characters. I think how often I felt confused played a part in that.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC in advance for an honest review.

I've only read one other magic realism book and I can definitely say the genre always brings about a unique storyline and vibe. This book focuses on Jieun, the owner of a magic laundromat that can help its customer wash away the stains in their hearts. However, she must also come to peace with her own inner turmoil before she can offer help to others


Although there was not much plot in the book, each character that was introduced were not dull or boring but had backstories that ultimately led them to finding the Marigold Mind Laundry. The book teaches important lessons about learning how to overcome painful memories and events from the past and moving on and living life to its fullest.

Overall this was a beautiful book and definitely for the readers who enjoy a story with cozy and soft vibes.

Born with mysterious powers, Jieun accidentally causes her beloved parents to vanish, seemingly from existence. She vows to live a million lifetimes to search for them. After being reborn again and again, growing more distant from humanity with the passing of the years, she establishes a business where suffering guests can literally cleanse their minds: The Marigold Mind Laundry. Five people in desperate need of help find their way to her, changing the trajectory of not only their own lives, but also Jieun’s.

The book does contain some words that remain untranslated due to most likely not having the same impact in English, but their context within the text is well-established and did not take me out of the story when reading. The characters were the focus and the highlight of this book, and it was apparent that a lot of care went into each member of the main cast. I always enjoy a book that makes me relate to characters with whom I really have nothing in common. The messages that it sends about grief and life are a little simplistic, but full of heart.

This story read half like magical realism, and half like a modern fairytale. It was a unique story with a lot to say in surprisingly few pages, and I found it a quick read. However, having so much to say, the story occasionally felt as though it was playing second fiddle to the moral exposition. While it got a little preachy near the end, the book’s message and empathetic portrayal of its characters was rather beautiful. I would definitely recommend this for fans of stories that deal with healing. Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and The Dial Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.

3.5/5 A book as comforting as the warm tea served to Jieun’s guests.

This is magical, whimsical and confusing. It's an interesting idea- that you can wash away your regrets and live life happily but this wasn't the novel I expected, This sort of thing is a new trend but this specific book didn't have the characters others have. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

DNF @10%

I liked the idea of the story, but I didn't like the writing style and the plot seemed all over the place.