Gong Ji-young reflects on life as a novelist in new book
By Park Jin-hai
Novelist Gong Ji-young / Hankookilbo photo by Bae Woo-han
Best-selling novelist Gong Ji-young, 56, known for books “Go Alone Like a Rhino Horn” (1993), “Our Happy Time” (2005) and “The Crucible” (2009), has published an anthology looking back on her life as an author over the past three decades.
The prolific author started writing full time in 1988 and her many works focused on social and labor issues. As one of the most popular Korean novelists, Gong's books have sold a total of 12 million copies.
The newly published collection includes novels and essays. Gong's 2012 novel “Pain is Part of Love” and her more recent five works, including “Tall Blue Ladder,” “Recipes for My Daughter,” “Grandmother Never Dies” and “Haeri (dissociation),” have been newly edited and compiled.
Among Gong's 25 works, the author carefully selected books she wanted to share with her readers for the new collection.
The 365-page anthology also comes with some 32 photos that portray Gong's daily life. The writer's new book shows her unique perspective on love and life, says its publisher Hainaim.
“The time that I looked back on all the books that I've written for the past 30 years gave me the opportunity to reflect on my life,” Gong writes in the book. “How fortunate I was as a writer and how much love I've received in my life as a human being.”