Lemon

Focusing on the unsolved murder of teenage girl, this literary novel offers insights into gender, class and privilege in Seoul, and marks the English-language debut for award-winning Korean author, Kwon Yeo-sun.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

In the summer of 2002, a tragic event unfolded that would become known as the High School Beauty Murder. Kim Hae-on, a young and talented student, was brutally killed, leaving her family, friends, and community in shock and disbelief. The case garnered significant media attention, with two suspects being identified: Shin Jeongjun, who had a solid alibi, and Han Manu, whom no concrete evidence could link to the crime. Despite the passage of seventeen years, the case remained unsolved, causing immense grief and uncertainty for Hae-on's younger sister, Da-on. Unable to find closure, Da-on embarked on a twisted journey to uncover the truth, driven by her desire to reclaim some sense of what she had lost.

Lemon, written by Kwon Yeo-sun, takes the form of a crime novel, but its primary focus is not on identifying the perpetrator. Instead, the author uses this well-worn genre as a vehicle to explore profound themes of privilege, jealousy, trauma, and the complex ways in which we navigate the wrongs we have endured and inflicted upon others. Through the alternating perspectives of Da-on and two of Hae-on's classmates, Lemon offers a searing and timely exploration of these issues.

The novel delves into the psychological toll that the unsolved crime has had on the characters. Da-on, haunted by her sister's death and unable to move on with her life, becomes consumed by her quest for truth. She confronts her own demons and struggles with the guilt and shame that she feels for not being able to protect her sister. Meanwhile, the two classmates, Lemon and Seo-yeon, also bear the weight of the crime. Lemon, who was close to Hae-on and felt a sense of rivalry with her, grapples with her own jealousy and the fear of being implicated in the murder. Seo-yeon, on the other hand, carries the burden of witnessing the crime and the trauma it has inflicted on her.

Kwon Yeo-sun's writing is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a powerful sense of empathy. The characters are well-developed, and the reader is drawn into their emotional journeys. The prose is vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to the heart of the story and immersing them in the complex web of relationships and betrayals that unfold.

Lemon is not a murder story in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a story of the aftermath of violence, exploring the profound impact that such events have on individuals and communities. The novel sheds light on the societal pressures.

In conclusion, Lemon is a haunting and powerful novel that delves into the depths of human emotions and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Kwon Yeo-sun's writing is masterful, and the characters are well-developed, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read. The novel offers a searing exploration of privilege, jealousy, trauma, and the aftermath of violence, leaving the reader with a profound sense of empathy and understanding. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to shed light on the darker corners of our society.

Weight: 120g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800241497