This is my favourite kind of science fiction; thought-provoking and with emotional impact. I also enjoy short stories, perhaps more than sci-fi novels, so I was looking forward to reading this collection from Korean author Kim Choyeop. I have to admit that I liked the ideas in these stories more than the execution of them. They were not especially literary and had a lot of explanation of scientific research that I had to skim over. Despite this, I thought they were interesting stories which had perspectives on family and women in Korea, as well as messages about humanity in general. The book did not quite meet my expectations, as the stories were hyped as masterpieces and I was expecting a more captivating writing style. Perhaps it did not quite come across in the translation. I would still recommend the book and will remember some of its mind-bending ideas!

Thank you to the publisher MacLehose Press for the review copy via NetGalley. English translation by Anton Hur, 2026.