New Books in Literature This Week

The Hankyoreh's literary section this week offers a diverse selection of new releases, catering to readers interested in contemporary poetry, in-depth literary translation, and international fiction.

Poet Lee Won-ha's latest work, 'When Separation Comes, Spring Should Also Come,' is presented as a continuation of her lyrical exploration, now set in Paju after her previous work was based in Jeju. The review notes her shift in location and the intriguing progression of her poetic voice, moving from themes of love to the poignant landscapes of division and borders.

The section also features an essay by Kim Jeong-ah, who has dedicated herself to translating Dostoevsky's masterpieces. Her reflections on the challenges and rewards of this monumental task, particularly her reliance on advice from Lee O-young, offer a glimpse into the translator's craft and commitment. The upcoming completion of her Dostoevsky series with 'The Brothers Karamazov' in 2025 is anticipated.

International literature is represented by Olga Tokarczuk's 2001 short story collection, 'Knocking on Many Doors,' praised for showcasing her characteristic exploration of mutable selfhood. Additionally, Wally Lamb's 2025 novel, 'The River Swims On,' is introduced, focusing on a father's struggle with grief and the redemptive power of hope after a tragic accident involving his twins. Daniel Defoe's 'Moll Flanders' is also revisited, drawing a parallel between Robinson Crusoe's survival in nature and Moll Flanders' navigation of the urban jungle.