Reading notes on Aurora Market's Men (2022)

Aurora Market's Men (2022) by Lee Gyung Lan

Korean novel (오로라 상회의 집사들, 이경란 장편 소설)

The story, or rather stories, of the four men in various stages of crisis in life, resonated with me particularly at this time. A young man that quits studying for government job exams and goes on unemployment. His friend, a Gangnam boy, that hasn't quit but struggles with focusing on studying. Another young man who works multiple temp jobs just to make ends meet and hopes that one day he can afford tuition to resume his university studies. An older gentleman looking for a purpose after retiring from a 30-year corporate job. These stories are told through a smooth narrative that is easy to read. I learned some new things about Korean culture, for example, how there are group housing rentals with strict rules (고시텔) specifically for people studying for university or government entrance exams, and whole neighborhoods of 40-year-old apartment buildings become ghost towns because they are considered "ancient" and slated for redevelopment. I appreciated the commentary on the hopelessness that young people feel about the job market, and on the consumerism that is so blatantly in your face on the streets of Gangnam (a flashy part of Seoul). The novel ends on an optimistic note, as the men lean on and learn from each other, and even find inspirations for a new purpose in life. The book reminds us that, regardless of what station or stage in life you are from, life can be a struggle. But remember that life is long, so find a passion or two and it is okay to take a pause.

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