The Trunk, Kim Ryeo-Ryeong
Inji, a 30 year old women living in South Korea, lives a somewhat unconventional life. Recruited by ‘Wedding and life’, a matchmaking service, Inji is trained to work as a ‘Field Wife’. The concept is simple – field wives and husbands are available to rent by the rich and famous of Korean society. Contracts typically last a year, during this time Inji performs all the regular duties of a wife; once the year is up, so is the marriage.
Although described as a Feminist thriller, for me, The Trunk fits into the category of social commentary or dystopian-esque literary fiction. If you’re hoping for a fast-paced action-packed thriller, this may not be quite right for you. Despite the slightly ambiguous category, the book explores a unique concept, delving into commentary on attitudes towards relationships and marriage in modern Korea.
Characters dotted throughout the book, all part of Inji’s life in some way, bring these concepts to life – Granny (a neighbour of Inji’s) is obsessed with a much younger boyfriend, Inji deals with the terrifying reality of living with a stalker and, nearing the end of the novel, she questions her sexuality after a confusing conversation with her best friend.
The Trunk has excitingly been adapted into a K-Drama Netflix series, coming out November 29th (I’m not sure if this will be available in the UK, but my fingers are crossed!). The atmosphere of this story will thrive on the big screen, and I can’t wait to see it come to life!
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