The Story of Hong Gildong

Translator and Editor: Minsoo Kang

A Classic in Translation: Classic Challenge

"The Story of Hong Gildong is arguably the single most important work of classic Korean fiction. A fantastic story of adventure, it has been adapted into countless movies, television shows, novels, and comics in Korea. Until now, the earliest and fullest text of this incredible fable has been inaccessible to English readers.

Hong Gildong, the brilliant but illegitimate son of a noble government minister, cannot advance in society due to his second-class status, so he leaves home and becomes the leader of a band of outlaws. On the way to building his own empire and gaining acceptance from his family, Hong Gildong vanquishes assassins, battles monsters, and conquers kingdoms. Minsoo Kang’s expressive and lively new translation finally makes the authoritative text of this premodern tale available in English, reintroducing a noble and righteous outlaw and sharing a beloved hallmark of Korean culture." Amazon

Another classic lets me down. So far this year the only classic I've enjoyed has been A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I had my husband read this and he didn't really care for it either. That said, the translation is so well done. I think this part fable, part adventure story was just to confusing and at times I had no idea what I was reading. You should try it out, it might have just been me and my reading preferences. 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

By: Betty Smith

A classic by a woman author: Classic Challenge

Oh, how I loved this book. It played out slowly so the pacing was nice and relaxed.

"Francie Nolan, avid reader, penny-candy connoisseur, and adroit observer of human nature, has much to ponder in colorful, turn-of-the-century Brooklyn. She grows up with a sweet, tragic father, a severely realistic mother, and an aunt who gives her love too freely--to men, and to a brother who will always be the favored child. Francie learns early the meaning of hunger and the value of a penny. She is her father's child--romantic and hungry for beauty. But she is her mother's child, too--deeply practical and in constant need of truth. Like the Tree of Heaven that grows out of cement or through cellar gratings, resourceful Francie struggles against all odds to survive and thrive. Betty Smith's poignant, honest novel created a big stir when it was first published over 50 years ago. Her frank writing about life's squalor was alarming to some of the more genteel society, but the book's humor and pathos ensured its place in the realm of classics--and in the hearts of readers, young and old."

My grandmother was born in 1918 and although she did not live anywhere near New York, I saw a lot of her in this book. I miss you grandma.

To Be Read pile...

Sorry for my absence, ahem, my excuse - a huge TBR!

We now resume our regular challenges...