Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop cover art

Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

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Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop

By: Hwang Bo-reum, Shanna Tan - translator
Narrated by: Rosa Escoda
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum, read by Rosa Escoda.

**AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER**
WATERSTONES BEST FICTION BOOKS OF 2023 PICK
WOMAN & HOME NOVEMBER BOOK OF THE MONTH
iPaper TOP FICTION PICK

'An absolutely charming novel that all bookworms will adore' Red

'A balm for the soul and a glorious love letter to books and reading' iPaper

There was only one thing on her mind.

'I must start a bookshop.'

Yeongju did everything she was supposed to, go to university, marry a decent man, get a respectable job. Then it all fell apart. Burned out, Yeongju abandons her old life, quits her high-flying career, and follows her dream. She opens a bookshop.

In a quaint neighbourhood in Seoul, surrounded by books, Yeongju and her customers take refuge. From the lonely barista to the unhappily married coffee roaster, and the writer who sees something special in Yeongju – they all have disappointments in their past. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes the place where they all learn how to truly live.

A heart-warming story about finding comfort and acceptance in your life – and the healing power of books.

'Delightful, reflective and heart-warming' Woman's Weekly

‘Profound and healing … a beautiful story at its heart’ Woman & Home

'An incredibly exciting debut novel. At once gentle and invigorating. I devoured it' Sarah Crossan, author of Here is the Beehive

©2023 Hwang Bo-reum and Shanna Tan (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc City Life Friendship Genre Fiction Urban World Literature Feel-Good Heartfelt
All stars
Most relevant  
This was an interesting novel with some, not so subtle, suggestions on how to live and move forward in your life. I enjoyed how each of the characters, and there were many, challenged societal expectations in small ways and were more fulfilled by doing so. I found the end a bit twee, but overall it was a gentle summer read.

Reflections on how to live

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my wife recommended this book to me. it's not my usual type of book so I was hesitant but I loved this it way more than I thought I would.

the righting the story the voice it's all amazing

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I enjoyed this book. It's warm and thoughtful. A peaceful meander through the lives of those brought together by a little bookstore. But I'm not quite sure why it's had such rave reviews. I've read a number of books that fall into the "cosy village shop" trope and this one didn't stand out to me. In it's english translation it almost feels like it could be set anywhere in the world, which has pros and cons. Not a large amount of Korean cultural identity is coming through for me. The narrator has a beautiful voice, but all her characters have the same smooth British tone and it's a bit hard to differentiate between them.

Heartwarming but not exceptional

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Overall I was disappointed. Almost gave up altogether but persisted. Very didactic and a bit trite but found the whole work / life balance theme interesting, particularly in a Korean context. Ultimately it was the challenges of running an independent bookshop that kept me going. Hate to criticise a young narrator but found her uneven intonation incredibly frustrating. Annoying ending too. Not for me, this book.

Bit didactic

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I loved this book because it resonated with me on many levels. I am going through a similar journey so listening to their stories, words of comfort and inspiration was exactly what I needed

A great book about life’s journey and career/ work

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I absolutely adored this book. It was as engaging and well-paced as one of my favourite K-dramas. Incredibly easy to listen to after a long day, this audiobook allowed me to become one of the bookshop’s many visitors, glimpsing into each character’s lives as though I was there sipping a warm drink. I am excited to revisit it again soon.

Loved Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

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Loved the story. Simple yet so relatable especially in the current world. Definitely a must listen. The narrator has done a very good job.

So relatable

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I could relate to the authors line of thinking… WLB… happiness .. marriage… the quandary of finding your place in all of this

My thoughts

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This Slice of Life Genre book is perfect for when you just want to feel like you’re hanging out with a comfortable friend. It’s not loud or showy but it’s sweet and thoughtful.

Slice of life book is a delight

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Well received of simple steps with warmth.
Beautiful offerings and sweet relations in an individualized bookshop.

“The yardstick to measure one’s life lays within oneself; and that’s good enough.” Author’s Notes

Gentle Listening

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