Lemon is a story about a crime, rather than a crime story. A nuanced story of grief and loss, compelling, with a subtle take on the role of gender and advantage in Korean society.
Kim Hae-on was a beautiful schoolgirl, murdered in 2002, her body found in the park with severe head injuries. Although there were two main suspects, no one was charged. Was it the boy on the moped or her classmate in whose sister’s car she was last seen. But did either have a motive?
This book pulls together the story in chapters set several years apart and told from different perspectives. Kim Hae-on’s younger sister, and two other classmates. All the voices are different, although the slow cadence of the story is typical of the few Korean novels I have read. There is no suspense, and no change of speed, the conclusion is a slow build up. But there is no real resolution, although by the end, the reader is not really in any doubt about who committed the crime, and why.
To say this is a crime novel is untrue, other than it is set around the murder of Kim Hae-on. It is the story of how society treats those with advantages and those without, whether that is social position, money or good looks. It is also story of naivety and loss. It is at the same time mundane and strange.
Whilst reading this I was confused as to whether I enjoyed the book or not, and even, what it was about. It is a compelling read that stayed with me, and the more I think about it the more I realise there is to the story.
For readers who like a challenging and intriguing read, I’d recommend this book and credit the author (and translator) for a very well written and thought out story.
I’d seen some interesting reviews for Kwon Yeo-Sun’s “LEMON” and was intrigued enough to want to read it for myself. Translated expertly by Janet Hong, this unusually written novella focuses on the grief and aftermath of the ‘High School Beauty Murder’ of Kim Hae-on in 2002. The story is set over nineteen years and told from the viewpoints of two of Hae-on’s schoolmates and her younger sister Da-on and interspersed through various points in time. You do need to pay attention to the voices, as you’re not told who is narrating each one but although this started out as a little confusing, I was surprised by how quickly everything made sense and the narration connected. This also provided some intelligent entertainment, trying to work out for yourself who was relating their story and whether they were reliable or not.
“Lemon” isn’t a crime novel per se but does explore a murder via an emotional psychological approach which makes this a really unique read.
It’s a shortish story so therefore best to read in one sitting where possible but it does pack an emotional punch regarding the trauma and grief for a life not lived and I found it was a satisfying read all round.
For readers who like a challenging and intriguing read, I’d recommend this book and credit the author (and translator) for a very well written and thought out story.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/35740838-miriam-smith-a-mother-s-musings
Who killed Kim Hae-on? A fascinating, ingenious read which gives snapshots of lives forever changed by a brutal crime.
A short novel, there is a lot packed into these 148 pages. Set in South Korea in 2002, it spans seventeen years after a brutal murder. Beautiful Kin Hae-on is last seen in the car of one of the two suspects, Shin Jeongjun by the other suspect, delivery boy Han Manu. After a lack of evidence fails to convict either of the young men, the case is closed, leaving Hae-on’s younger sister Da-on to cope with the loss.
The author gives you little indication of who is leading you through the story, but you soon become immersed, building your own conclusions as to who committed the crime. It is less about the murder, more how the murder affects Da-on as she tries to keep her sister alive in the most disturbing way. There is another crime committed here, one that is almost lost in the narrative, but which is almost an afterthought. How far would you go to keep the spirit of your loved one alive? And is it revenge, retribution or just coincidence that spurs you on?
The reader is left to draw a lot of conclusions but that is fine, it works with this story without feelings of frustration due mainly to the cleverness of the writing. An unusual and engaging read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella by Kwon Yeo-sun, it packed a real punch in a very short space of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella by Kwon Yeo-sun, it packed a real punch in a very short space of time and was brilliantly translated by Janet Hong.
Each chapter shows acute observation and a different slant on an unusual story which weaves expertly along. It’s written from multiple points of view and although you’re not always sure who is talking at first, you catch up quickly.
I think Lemon might be one of those books that needs to be read twice as I probably missed a lot of the subtleties first time round. I really recommend it.
A short but punchy literary thriller focusing on the mysterious death of Hae-On. Years later and still haunted by her death, can her sister Da-On finally solve the crime and move on with her life?
Lemon begins with a tragedy - it is clear right from the off that the beautiful and admired Kim Hae-On was murdered when she was 19 and her killing was forever known as the High School Beauty Murder. The case was never solved but there were a variety of suspects. This novella weaves through different female points of view including a friend of Hae-On, Hae-On's sister and also love rival. All have been affected profoundly by her death and cant move on. Kim Hae-On's sister Da-On decides to investigate and finish the job where the police couldn't.
I didn't expect this tiny novella to grip me but I was wrong! I loved the disorientating narration provided from multiple perspectives. The perspectives can seem initially very similar and it takes time to understand who is narrating leading to a sense of confusion and claustrophobia. As the story nears its conclusion some of the narrators beginning to act increasingly erratically and the secrets start to unravel.
I would recommend this to anybody looking for a literary thriller - it will keep you turning the pages until truth comes out!