The Cabinet

Winner of South Korea's most prestigious literary prize, The Cabinet tells the story of Mr. Kong, an office worker burdened with the peculiar task of maintaining a filing cabinet that contains records of 'symptomers'—individuals with bizarre abilities and experiences. Among these, one symptomer's persistent requests to be turned into a cat become a particular nuisance. The novel blends humor and fantasy to delve into the strange and wonderful aspects of ordinary life, showcasing the unique perspective of one of South Korea's most acclaimed novelists. Translated by Sean Lin Halbert, this book promises a delightful and thought-provoking read. The Cabinet is a richly funny and fantastical novel that explores the strangeness hidden within the most mundane aspects of life. Through Mr. Kong's interactions with the symptomers, the story unfolds in a way that challenges the reader's perception of reality and the extraordinary within the ordinary. The novel's unique blend of humor and magical realism makes it a standout work in contemporary fiction.

Reviews

Books on GIF · 2025-10-16

hilarious 4.20

The book is praised for its humor and important message about respecting differences. The reviewer found it to be both hilarious and thought-provoking.

The reviewer at Books on GIF appreciated The Cabinet for its humor and important message about respecting and protecting the lives of people who are different. They found the book to be both hilarious and thought-provoking, highlighting its satirical elements and the way it blends the absurd with profound insights. The reviewer suggests that this book is a great read for those who enjoy a good laugh while also being challenged to think deeply about important social issues.

Quick quotes

I also enjoyed how the book suggests that we respect and protect the lives of people who are different from us, a very important point today.

This is a book of genius-not a fancy literary type of book but a string of nonsense stories that are truly hilarious yet satirical.

I Laughed so hard at some of the situations and characters.

Etherea Magazine · 2025-10-16

intriguing 4.50

The book is described as a unique and captivating read that stands out for its originality. The reviewer found it to be a refreshing departure from typical narratives.

The reviewer at Etherea Magazine was struck by how unique and captivating The Cabinet is, noting that it's unlike anything they've read before. They praised the novel's originality and its ability to draw the reader in with its unusual and intriguing premise. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ability to blend the profound with the absurd, creating a reading experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. They suggest that this book will appeal to readers looking for something different and memorable.

Quick quotes

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say I've never read anything quite like this book.

Un-su Kim's debut novel, The Cabinet, which was first published in ...

The Cabinet is an unusual meditation on modern life, quirky and intriguing, and quite unlike anything I've read.

Locus Magazine · Ian Mond · 2022-01-20

engaging 4.00

The reviewer compares the book to other works and appreciates its structure and themes. They find it to be a wildly imaginative and engaging read.

Ian Mond at Locus Magazine found The Cabinet to be a wildly imaginative and engaging read, comparing it to Yan Ge's Strange Beasts of China for its unique structure and themes. He appreciated the novel's ability to blend the profound with the ridiculous, creating a harmonious balance that draws the reader in. Mond highlighted the beguilingly depicted characters and the intriguing premise, making it a standout read. He suggests that readers who enjoy thought-provoking and imaginative fiction will find much to appreciate in this novel.

Quick quotes

Regarding structure and theme, The Cabinet is reminiscent of Yan Ge's Strange Beasts of China, which I reviewed in August.

They are both wildly imaginative and engaging reads.

The story is a harmonious balance of profound and ridiculous, drawing the reader in with beguilingly depicted characters.

Appears in Lists

50 Unmissable Magical Realism Reads