Folklorn

In Angela Mi Young Hurs's novel Folklorn, a particle physicist in the Antarctic is drawn back to her childhood home in California by her childhood imaginary friend, who reveals the secrets of her mother's dark stories. It is a genre-defying, continents-spanning saga of Korean myth, scientific discovery, and the enduring love that connects even the most fractured families.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2021
Publisher: Erewhon Books

Angela Mi Young Hurs' Folklorn is a captivating novel that delves into profound questions of race, culture, and history, exploring the intricate boundaries between past and present, fact and fantasy, and personal and cultural realms. This ambitious work seamlessly weaves together elements of ghost story, family saga, parable, and feminist reimagining of myth, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking narrative.

At the heart of Folklorn is the story of Elsa Park, a brilliant particle physicist who excels in her field, working at a neutrino observatory in the Antarctic. She believes she has distanced herself from the family ghosts that have haunted her throughout her life, confident in her ability to forge her own path. However, destiny has other plans. Elsa's childhood imaginary friend, a spectral woman in the snow, reappears, claiming her at last.

Years ago, Elsa's mother had warned her that women of their line were destined to repeat the narrative lives of their ancestors from Korean myth and legend. But Elsa faces a more immediate threat: the mental illness and generational trauma that run deep in her immigrant family. When her mother finally breaks her decade-long silence, tragedy strikes, forcing Elsa to return to her childhood home in California.

There, amidst the struggles of her family, Elsa unravels the secrets hidden within the handwritten pages of her mother's dark stories. These tales delve into the depths of women's desire, fury, magic suppressed, stolen, or punished, and the yearning for vengeance. Folklorn serves as a wondrous and essential exploration of the myths we inherit and the ones we create for ourselves.

Through its intricate narrative and rich cultural tapestry, Folklorn invites readers to reflect on the complexities of identity, heritage, and the power of storytelling. It challenges societal norms and stereotypes, offering a fresh perspective on the roles of women, minorities, and marginalized communities. Hurs' writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and evocative prose that transport readers to different worlds and eras.

The novel's exploration of the boundaries between past and present, fact and fantasy, and personal and cultural realms is particularly compelling. Hurs skillfully weaves together historical events, mythological references, and scientific discoveries, creating a tapestry that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The characters in Folklorn are well-developed and relatable, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers on a deep level.

In conclusion, Angela Mi Young Hurs' Folklorn is a remarkable achievement that defies genre boundaries and offers a profound exploration of the human experience. With its captivating narrative, rich cultural references, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh and innovative perspective on the world.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 149 x 223 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781645660163