Counterattacks at Thirty
A Novel
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- CHF 18.00
Publisher Description
From the bestselling author of Almond, The Devil Wears Prada meets The Office in this witty, humane, and ultimately transformative story of a group of young workers who rebel against the status quo.
Jihye is an ordinary woman who has never been extraordinary. In her administrative job at the Academy, she silently tolerates office politics and the absurdities of Korean bureaucracy. Forever only one misplaced email away from career catastrophe, she effectively becomes a master of the silent eye-roll and the tactical coffee run. But all her efforts to endure her superiors and the semi-hostile work environment they create are upended when a new intern, Gyuok Lee, arrives.
Like a pacifist version of V in V for Vendetta, Gyuok recruits a trio of office allies to carry out plans for minor revenge. Together, these four “rebels” commit tiny protests against those in more powerful positions through spraying graffiti, throwing eggs, and writing anonymous exposés. But as their attacks increase, the initial joy they felt at the release becomes something more and Jihye and the others will discover the beauty of friendship and the extraordinary power of unity against adversity.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
South Korean writer Sohn's intriguing sophomore novel (after Almond) revolves around a 30-something woman's civil disobedience. Jinye interns at an adult education company, where she befriends coworker Gyuok at free ukulele classes offered by their employer, and they bond over their dissatisfaction with the ruling elite. Gyuok initiates a series of pranks by leaving a threatening letter on the desk of a manager who has poor personal hygiene, and soon Jinye joins him in other stunts, such as throwing eggs at a duplicitous congressman and ambushing a photo op with Korean movie stars. Along the way, Jinye grows more and more assertive ("I'm sick and tired of being crushed by people who have it easier than me," she says). Halbert's translation feels stilted in places (ambient noise pulsates during an outdoor concert "like a giant fetus"), and the plot strains credulity when the pair elude punishment for their transgressions. Still, once the action starts, this tale of self-empowerment through revenge holds the reader's attention It's worth a look for fans of Parasite and Squid Game.
