Recent books
Peace Story
Various authors; Nami Books: 146 pp., $20
The 5th Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival has published a collection of new short stories from authors hailing from Greece to China, focusing on that subject so long elusive from man: peace.
Dreamt up by Kang Woo-hyon, an illustrator and Nami Island’s CEO, the book brings a universal concept into a multicultural outlet through tales of families torn apart by war, lessons in love and autobiographical memories.
While some of the stories at times seem too visceral for the young, others find a perfect balance of adventure and morality, such as the modest “The Man Who Painted Peace” by Christos Boulotis and the quirky “The Mouth of Silence” by Louis Jensen.
But it is the book’s illustrations that are the most eye-catching, and a range of styles line the pages. The classic animated look of Violeta Zabulica-Diordiev is filled with fun detail, Eric Rohmann’s minimalist, subtle palettes a refreshing look, while the imaginative abstractness of writer and illustrator Salah Elmur are fit for the imaginations of the readers.
— Ines Min
Tasty Travel in North Gyeongsang Province
Jeong Bo-sang and various authors; Sangsang Books: 255 pp., 13,000 won
People often think that North Gyeongsang Province is a beaten tourist track, with Gyeongju in particular known for its royal tombs of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) and other cultural sites, and is frequented by schoolchildren for field trips or those from abroad looking for a traditional experience. But there’s more reason to head to the region — the regional cuisine. Cities around Korea are dotted with the chain restaurant specializing in Andong-style chicken, but there is much more to be had.
A new guidebook penned by four travel experts invites readers to embark on a culinary journey through the area, from Pohang’s “guamegi” (dried mackerel) and barley pizza to Uleung Island’s cuttlefish sausage and Yeongcheon’s “hanwoo” (beef from local cattle) and acorn “sujebi” (Korean-style gnocchi). And of course one must not forget the “palwujeong haejangguk” (beef stew), a dish that has been handed down for over a millennium in Gyeongju.
In addition to useful travel notes, the book introduces the famous cooks who create the various dishes.
— Lee Hyo-won
The Alchemy of Murder
Carol McCleary; Bichae: 568 pp., 12,500 won
American author Carol McCleary pens for her first novel a historical fiction, a tale of mystery and adventure starring the famed, real-life journalist Nelly Bly — famous for her expose on a mental institution by infiltrating the system as a patient.
The novel sees the pioneering journalist travel to Paris during the 1889 World Fair, intent on capturing an elusive murderer and solving the puzzle behind an epidemic virus. Joining her on her journeys are Oscar Wilde, Jules Verne (whom Bly actually met on a journey across the world in 72 days) and Louis Pasteur.
McCleary, who was born in Seoul and has lived across Asia and the West, sees her debut work published in Korea after months of waiting for a translation. Bly proves a winning lead character and the novel works to combine genres for a tale of suspense, wit and thriller.
Written from the first-person perspective, the author uses an informative, florid language to weave Bly’s facts with the period ambiance.
Blue Ribbon Survey: Seoul’s Restaurants 2010
Blue Ribbon Survey; Kleinix: 412 pp., 18,000 won
Since being launched in 2005 as the country’s first restaurant guide, the Blue Ribbon Survey has ever been faithfully providing delicious options to the classic question, “What’s for dinner?”
The survey has dished out a new volume for next year that provides details for 1,158 restaurants around Seoul.
The guide features different lists that people could look up according to what they’re looking for: the best restaurants of 2011, fine-dining restaurants, atmospheric restaurants, restaurants with the best price-quality ratio and the newly introduced list of noteworthy new restaurants.
The restaurants are listed in alphabetical order, along with photos, short reviews and details about the price range, opening hours and directions. There is an index that categorizes them according to various genres such as type (Italian or Asian fusion), geographical region (Gangnam or Jongno) and by characteristic (family-friendly or open 24-hours).
Blue Ribbon also runs a website for readers to voice their own opinions about the eateries, and provides information on some 5,000 restaurants not included in the book.