The Law of Lines

This well written, but starts slowly and it is literature, so it doesn't include action (or even much mystery) that most crime stories have. There are two timelines that mostly work together. It is a little light on the crime portion, but that's OK. It may be more a character study and a dark tale overall.

Thanks very much for the ARC for review!!

This book follows the parallel stories of two women whose lives are upended by sudden and devasting loss. The author delivers an enigmatic narration that edges up to morality and criminality. What you will have to discover for yourself if you pick up the book is whether or not that edge is breached.

You will find yourself consumed by how these characters grapple with their losses and the weight and gloom of their everyday lives.

As a side note, this author appeared on a list of books to read if you enjoyed this years Oscar winning film Parasite. So, you’ve been warned…you are in for something distinct and not entirely comfortable. But let’s face it, same same is boring!

I really enjoyed this book overall. That being said, I wouldn't necessarily classify it as a thriller or a mystery. If you're in the mood for a slower-burn literary fiction book that deals with questions of morality, this is a good choice. The book takes a little bit of time to get into, and probably isn't a good pick if you're looking for something with a lot of action or tension.

The Law of Lines is centered around two young women in Korea immediately following the sudden deaths of their loved ones in mysterious circumstances, and follows the two women as they grapple with the deaths and adjust to life without their family members. The book deals with issues of class, grief, revenge, and even multi-level marketing.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Debt and guilt are at the root of this intriguing novel of two women coping with loss. Se-oh's father commits suicide because his debt- debt incurred by Se-oh- is so overwhelming he does not see a way out. Ki-jeong's younger half sister got herself into a mess because of a scheme which targeted students. Ki-jeong is a teacher who doesn't like her job or her students and she's propelled to find out what happened and who Se-oh is. These two are on a track running against one another but the final collision was less violent than I expected. It's an interesting meditation on life on the margins and on modern Korea. None of the characters are especially likable but they are quite realistically written. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. For fans of literary fiction.

While this was a slow read, it was also interesting to read about Korean culture and two different woman dealing with similar struggles. Two women trapped by circumstances and decisions they made but didn't fully own, other than through guilt and attempting to resolve loss by solving the mysteries of their losses, i expected their stories to intersect in a more dramatic way and was waiting for that but it didn't come. slow subtle story, different from what i usually read but worth the read

My favorite type of book. It's twisty and full of angsts. Well told and engaging. I absolutely enjoyed reading this awesome book and both characters will linger with you long after the last page. Happy reading!