Behind Five Willows

De: June Hur

Narrado por: Michelle H. Lee

From the New York Times-bestselling author of A Crane Among Wolves comes a warm and romantic homage to Jane Austen set in historical Korea, about a reader and a writer who secretly fight against government book banning and find themselves irresistibly drawn together.

As the dutiful second-eldest daughter of a poor family, society would have Haewon believe that her only hope of a decent life is to marry well. But during a time of rampant government censorship and book banning, she instead works as an illegal book transcriber in order to make a little extra money. It’s dangerous work, but she loves it―especially when she gets to transcribe the work of her favorite author, known as Black Lotus.

When her older sister becomes smitten with a wealthy young gentleman, Haewon is roped into chaperoning them during their courtship. Which wouldn’t be so terrible... if it weren’t for the young man’s uptight and annoying best friend who also accompanies them.

As the only son of a noble, Seojun has a lot expected of him. Wealth. Status. Respectability. Certainly not frivolous and often illicit activities such as reading fiction. But Seojun loves to do something even more scandalous: writing. He’s kept his work secret from his father and friends, but with each passing day, the pressure of being his father’s son and the dispiriting actions of the government make Seojun question the purpose of it all. The only thing keeping him going are the encouraging letters he receives from his transcriber, known only as Magpie.

When his best friend falls hard for a girl of lower social status, Seojun finds himself forced to act as chaperone to the infatuated couple―along with the girl's younger sister, who is as irritating as she is judgmental. But as Haewon and Seojun spend more time together, they begin to suspect they may have judged each other too quickly...

Already so amazing!

Already so good! I have been waiting since October for this book to come out and I love it already!

Love June Hur, didn’t love Behind Five Willows

As a huge fan of her other books, I was looking forward to this release. Here’s what I will say about this book- it’s reparative. The ideas are good, the historical setting is inspired but, the book and its contents are repetitive and have a loose plot. The pacing is uncomfortable, it chafes in a way that feels shallow. The characters are paper thin. Depictions of feelings or romantic interactions used the same phrases a lot. Really great concept. This book just didn’t land for me and I can’t recommend it. I would recommend trying a different June Hur book if you are interested in this flavor of historical fiction.

For the Love of Books

Knowing of this author, I was interested to read this new book. I had also seen a review on YouTubes “Bookistrator” that was beautiful.
So I bought it immediately, and read/ listened to it straight through!
What fun it was. Funny, sweet and so interesting historically in ancient Korea.
Its treatment of writers, books and ideas spoke to my soul. The main characters are realistically imperfect and so noble. A real treat, and a great nod to the beautiful country in which they live.

This would make a perfect k-drama!

I love June Hur's writing! I am a big big fan! I love the balance of history, mystery and romance. I breezed through the audiobook in two days and couldn't help but think that this would make a perfect saeguk (k-drama) like her other books. The narrator also did a wonderful job! Characters were easily identifiable and her voice is comforting and made this audiobook an easy listen.