The Healing Season of Pottery

A very sweet and wholesome book for someone who needs a book to soothe the soul and calm the nervous system!

this book has all the cute and cosy vibes you can think of (taking up pottery as a hobby, walking around the streets of seoul) and offers life lessons when you least expect them. an easy 5-star read! i can’t wait for it to come out this september because i plan to get the physical copy to re-read and annotate. it was THAT good.

Reading The Healing Season of Pottery is like drinking a hot cup of coffee on a winter’s day. It is charming, comforting and absolutely heartwarming.
This translated novel by the Korean author Yeon Somin follows Jungmin, a woman who has locked herself away after quitting her job as a broadcast writer. One day when she leaves the apartment, she stumbles upon a pottery studio called Soyo by accident. In this studio she finds friendship, love and regains her creative spark (she even manages to adopt an adorable cat).
Although I’m not familiar with the art of pottery, the descriptions in this book really caught my imagination. I particularly loved the way that ceramics like mugs and plates are paired with food and drink. For instance, the author talks about how a good mug can make coffee taste better. The feel of textured clay, the gloss of the glaze and the colour of the paint can all add to the experience. Different types of food and coffee match different types of ceramics and make you take more care when you eat. For Jungmin, moulding plates and bowls helps her to enjoy her food. It turns into an act of self-care.
Whilst there aren’t dramatic plot points in the novel, it was satisfying to see how each of the characters developed and grew. The gentle romance between Jungmin and Gisik was so sweet as well and really made me care about the characters.
The only thing that might make this book more difficult to read is if people are unfamiliar with the Korean language. The author includes some terms like ‘Unnie’ (meaning older sister) and attaches suffixes such as ‘ssi’ (a mark of formality) to names. They aren’t very difficult to understand in context though and anyone who enjoys K-dramas or K-pop will recognise these words.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys slow, slice of life stories or novels about the power of creativity. If you enjoyed calm, comforting books like Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong bookshop or Sweet Bean Paste, I think you’ll love this.

A beautiful cozy read. I really enjoyed unwinding and sitting down and reading about yungmin and her finding herself again. Beautifully wrote. You really feel like you’re in the pottery shop smelling the clay as you continue with the book. I couldn’t put it down and really recommend to anyone who needs a cozy slow pace novel.

Yeon Somin’s "The Healing Season of Pottery" is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that explores the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.

This beautiful novel will stay in my mind for a long time! I admit I have become obsessed with the recent trend of healing fiction because of its heartwarming, community-led message. But THE HEALING SEASON OF POTTERY stands out to me because after many bookshop and cafe set novels in this space, this book offers a fresh take on the genre, centered around learning a new skill in order to find a way back into the world. A truly healing reading experience!

I don’t normally, read this kind of book. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

Jungmin is such a relatable character, with her struggles and finding herself, I liked her backstory as well. The fact she gains, an animal companion (Hoya), also warmed my heart. I would recommend this book, to friends and family and I want to read more from this author,

There are so many Korean fiction novels around like this at the moment. I personally love them. This one is no exception. It’s a lovely wholesome and heartwarming story. Relatable characters and an enjoyable storyline. Highly recommended.

Another beautiful, heartfelt and soul filling book! I devoured this book, one evening and I will be recommending it to all my students! My new go to author.

Book Review: The Healing Season Of Pottery by Yeon Somin translated by Clare Richards

In this heartwarming story, Jungmin is a woman at the crossroads of her life, burnt out and lost after years of hard work in her newswriting career. Desperate for change, she walks away from it all, only to find herself drawn to the quiet comfort of a pottery workshop in Seoul.

The Soyo Pottery Workshop becomes a place of transformation for her. Surrounded by the calming scents of clay and coffee, Jungmin discovers that the simple act of creating—piece by piece, brings her healing. With each plate she crafts the world starts making sense again.

What I loved most about this book is how it weaves a theme of slowing down in a fast-paced world, reminding us all of the value of taking time for ourselves.
This story of starting is a tale of renewal, friendship, and the magic of handmade things.

If you’re looking for a feel-good read about second chances this is the one for you!

I'm loving this type of books and they always make me smile and reflect. This is a well written one, light and full of emotions
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Jungmin, burnt out from her demanding news writing job, quits abruptly and retreats into solitude. After months of hibernation, she ventures out into the streets near Seoul, searching for a way to rebuild her life. By chance, she discovers Soyo, a pottery workshop filled with warmth, light, and the earthy aroma of clay and coffee. As Jungmin immerses herself in the art of pottery, she finds herself slowly healing—piece by piece, pot by pot.

The Healing Season of Pottery tells the heartwarming story of Jungmin's journey toward self-discovery and renewal. As she forms connections with the people at the workshop and finds solace in the tactile process of moulding clay, Jungmin begins to rediscover her creative spark and even adopts an adorable cat along the way. The book captures the serene beauty of pottery, emphasising how the textures, colours, and shapes of ceramics can enhance everyday experiences, such as enjoying a simple meal or cup of coffee.

Though the novel's plot is gentle and undramatic, the character development is deeply satisfying. The budding romance between Jungmin and Gisik adds a sweet, tender element to the story, making readers genuinely care about the characters.

For those unfamiliar with Korean culture, the use of terms like "Unnie" (older sister) might require some adjustment, but they are easily understood in context. I did have to use Google throughout the book, however.

This book is perfect for readers who appreciate slow-paced, slice-of-life stories or those who find joy in the creative process. If you love books like Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop or Sweet Bean Paste, then this will be a comforting and inspiring addition to your bookshelf.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.