WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP by Hwang Bo-reum, Shanna Tan [Trans.], read by Rosa Escoda

Behind the Mic with AudioFile Magazine

Rosa Escoda’s narration of this slice-of-life audiobook is cozy, like being wrapped in a blanket still warm from the dryer. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly discuss Hwang Bo-reum’s story, translated by Shanna Tan, of a woman and her bookshop. Frustrated by her indifferent marriage and burned-out by her competitive career, Yeongju leaves both behind to open a bookstore that becomes a refuge to those seeking peace and renewal. Escoda’s brisk pace and gentle tone carry listeners along as Yeongju reconciles her childhood dream of owning a bookshop with the business of attracting and keeping customers. Escoda subtly calibrates her performance to make this story’s dreamlike mood irresistible.

Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website. Published by Bloomsbury Publishing.

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