Whale

by Cheon Myeong-kwan
Whale cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2208
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781787704343
  • Publisher: Europa Editions UK
  • Published: 2023-01-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Whale is a distinctly Korean take on the classic tale of Great Expectations, set in a remote village where the lives of its eccentric characters are intertwined in unexpected ways. Geumbok, a woman who has been chasing an indescribable thrill since she first saw a whale, is one of the central figures in this story. Alongside her mute daughter, Chunhui, who communicates with elephants, and a one-eyed woman who controls honeybees with a whistle, the narrative unfolds with a series of surprising and humorous events. /n/n The novel is a rich tapestry of adventure and satire, filled with moments that defy expectation and logic. From a baby born in the depths of winter to a storm that reveals a hidden fortune, each event sets the stage for a wild and epic journey. Authored by one of international literature's most original voices, Whale is a celebration of the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Reviews
London Review Bookshop · 2024-02-29
sweeping 4.75

The novel is a sweeping, multi-generational tale that blends fable, farce, and fantasy. It is a powerful story that expands the boundaries of Korean literature.

The London Review Bookshop describes 'Whale' as a sweeping, multi-generational tale that seamlessly blends fable, farce, and fantasy. They laud it as a powerful story that expands the boundaries of Korean literature. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to tell a compelling narrative while incorporating elements of fantasy and farce. The characters and their journeys are highlighted as particularly noteworthy, making the book a standout in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    A sweeping, multi-generational tale blending fable, farce and fantasy.

    A peerless work devoted to telling a powerful story and lauded for expanding Korean literature.

    The characters and their journeys are particularly noteworthy.

The Booker Prizes · 2023-04-24
compelling 4.50

The characters are vivid and endearing, making the novel a hymn to restlessness. The story is both poignant and brutal, offering a unique perspective.

The reviewer from The Booker Prizes praises the vivid and endearing characters in 'Whale', describing them as foolish yet wise, awful but endearing. They highlight the novel as a hymn to restlessness, making it a unique and compelling read. The story is both poignant and brutal, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters, which add layers to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Cheon Myeong-Kwan's vivid characters are foolish but wise, awful but endearing, and always irrepressible.

    This is a hymn to restlessness and a celebration of the human spirit.

    The novel offers a unique perspective that is both poignant and brutal.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2023-02-09
entertaining 4.00

The novel is entertaining despite its predictable ending, with the journey being the highlight. The plot-driven narrative keeps readers engaged throughout.

Tony found the novel to be quite entertaining, even though the ending is predictable from the start. They appreciate the journey and the way the story unfolds, making it a compelling read. The characters and their interactions are well-crafted, adding depth to the narrative. Tony's overall impression is positive, highlighting the book's ability to keep readers engaged despite its predictable structure.

Quick quotes

    A plot-driven novel, where we pretty much know the ending from the start, Whale is nonetheless an entertaining work where the journey is very much the point.

    The characters are well-crafted and their interactions are engaging.

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to keep readers hooked despite its predictable structure.

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