I really must stop trying to read Korean novels (in translation). It seems to me that they are too simple, repetitive, predictable, moralistic, and positive. If that generalisation is correct then I suspect it must be a cultural thing – allied to the fact that I don’t like my novels written that way. Indeed, I only finished The Second Chance Convenience Store because I gave up on the last Korean novel I tried to read (Marigold Mind Laundry).
But if you like your novels light, slightly whimsical, and generally upbeat then The Second Chance Convenience Store might be just right for you. Don’t expect to be challenged though…
Ian Gouge - Writer 