Brilio.net - "Things Left Behind" is a work by South Korean writer Kim Sae-byoul that invites readers to reflect on the meaning of loss, memory, and human relationships. The book, published in 2021, has received a warm welcome from literary critics and readers in South Korea and internationally.
Synopsis of Things Left Behind This book tells the story of a woman named Yuna who works as a "cleaner" - a unique profession that cleans and organizes the belongings of people who have died. One day, Yuna is assigned to clean the apartment of an old man who died alone. In the middle of the cleaning process, she finds a diary that reveals the story of the man's life and his long-lost relationship with his daughter.
The discovery of the diary reminds Yuna of her own relationship with her deceased mother. She begins to reflect on the meaning of loss, regret, and the things that often remain unspoken in human relationships. Yuna's emotional journey in this novel invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with those closest to them.
Kim Sae-byoul carefully explores several key themes in the novel:
Loss and grief : Through Yuna's profession and the stories she finds, the author describes the various forms of loss experienced by humans and how they deal with grief.
Memory and nostalgia : This novel invites readers to reflect on how memories shape our identities and relationships with others.
Family relationships : The story of Yuna and her clients depicts the complexities of family relationships, including conflict, regret, and reconciliation.
Loneliness in modern society : The author also highlights the phenomenon of loneliness which is becoming more common amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The value of inherited items : Through Yuna's profession, the novel explores the emotional meaning behind the objects someone leaves behind.
Writing Style
Kim Sae-byoul writes in a gentle yet profound style. The prose used tends to be simple, yet full of meaning and able to stir the reader's emotions. The author carefully builds a melancholic yet calming atmosphere throughout the story.
The novels structure consists of two parallel storylines Yunas personal life and the stories of the clients she works with. The two strands intertwine and form a cohesive narrative, keeping the reader hooked until the very last page.
"Things Left Behind" is a work worth reading for several reasons:
Deep reflection: The novel invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with those closest to them. Readers may be inspired to cherish precious moments with family and friends before it is too late.
Unique perspective: Through Yuna's profession as a cleaner, readers get a unique perspective on life and death. This can help readers see life from a different perspective.
Cross-cultural understanding: For non-Korean readers, this novel offers fascinating insights into contemporary South Korean culture and society.
Empathy development: The stories presented in this novel can help develop readers' empathy for other people's experiences and struggles.
Literary quality: As a literary work, "Things Left Behind" offers a satisfying reading experience with a beautiful writing style and a well-constructed story structure.
Relevance to contemporary issues: The novel touches on several contemporary issues such as social isolation and population aging, which are relevant to many modern societies.
(brl/tis)
