Lemon

Following three narrators in the aftermath of a young woman’s murder, LEMON is a complex, captivating read that delves deep into the internal lives of its characters. Each narrator’s voice was so unique and it was interesting to watch their lives intersect and intertwine, especially in the context of the crime and its impact. Plus: that cover!

Kwon Yeo-sun's novel 'Lemon' is less that two hundred pages long, yet it an absolutely gripping exploration of life, death, gender and privilege in modern-day Seoul. In 2002, Kim Hae-on was murdered, her endearing beauty blemished by a killer who, to this day, remains free. The novella follows Da-on, Hae-on's younger sister, as she attempts to unravel the events of Hae-on's last moments. Alongside this portrayal of a broken family, we also hear from two of Hae-on's classmates at the time and in the years which follow.

This is not a simple, chronological narrative. We discover fragments of the story in fits and starts, never knowing which is the most reliable lens from our three narrators. Many elements of this are skilfully written, the subtle revelations making it more chilling the deeper you read - it is not the identity of the murderer which drives this reading experience, rather the lasting impact this death has had on these lives as we follow them through to 2019.

Fragmented confessions to a therapist, memories of a traumatic and neglectful childhood, a man grappling with poverty and a cancer diagnosis - these lives are woven as disparate experiences which occasionally intersect, circling around the echo of memories of Hae-on's death all those years ago. It is a stunning read and will stay with you long beyond the open possibilities of the final pages.

Do not enter into this story looking for closure or a simple tale of a beautiful high school girl whose life was snuffed out. Read carefully to pick up the clues, and see whether you can identify the true villains and victims - it is not as simple as you might think. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#Lemon #NetGalley
A good short novella.
THE SISTER:
In the summer of 2002, my big sister Hae-on was murdered. She was beautiful, intelligent, and only nineteen years old. Two boys were questioned, but the case was never solved. Her killer still walks free.
THE CLASSMATE:
In the summer of 2002, my classmate Hae-on was murdered. She was haughty, spoilt, a typical rich kid. But she didn't deserve to die. Even now, years later, I can't stop thinking about her. Who would do such a thing?
THE FRIEND:
In the summer of 2002, my friend Hae-on was murdered. The culprit was never found, but I think I know who did it...At once a gripping crime story and a fascinating dissection of class, gender and privilege in contemporary Korea, Lemon is the must-read novel of 2021.
Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for giving me an advanced copy.

Kwon Yeo-sun's novel 'Lemon' is less that two hundred pages long, yet it an absolutely gripping exploration of life, death, gender and privilege in modern-day Seoul. In 2002, Kim Hae-on was murdered, her endearing beauty blemished by a killer who, to this day, remains free. The novella follows Da-on, Hae-on's younger sister, as she attempts to unravel the events of Hae-on's last moments. Alongside this portrayal of a broken family, we also hear from two of Hae-on's classmates at the time and in the years which follow.

This is not a simple, chronological narrative. We discover fragments of the story in fits and starts, never knowing which is the most reliable lens from our three narrators. Many elements of this are skilfully written, the subtle revelations making it more chilling the deeper you read - it is not the identity of the murderer which drives this reading experience, rather the lasting impact this death has had on these lives as we follow them through to 2019.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I raced through this novella, reading it in one sitting. I was gripped! I rarely award 5 stars but I have no hesitation in giving this one full marks!

The story is set in Korea, and spans the 18 years in the aftermath of the unsolved murder of a beautiful 19 year old girl.

Highly Recommended.

I want this to be made into a Netflix series or at the very least I want my book club to read this - I have so much I want to talk about but there will be no spoilers!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A dagger in the heart, a long shriek of grieving from three narrators. Densely written and profound psychological exploration of grief and trauma. Da-on's beautiful teenage sister is murdered. Da-on seeks the perpetrator and to understand the 'why' through grief and guilt and terrible trauma, and to give meaning to her own life within the unbelievable reality that life continues all around when it has violently stopped for someone you loved.