New Literature Releases for August 28

The Hankyoreh introduces a slate of new literary works hitting shelves on August 28, spanning various genres and origins.

Kim Seon-jae's short story collection, "The World of Perception," delves into the unsettling intersection of life and death. The collection's title hints at a world where characters are suspended in a state of living death, prompting questions about the nature of existence and perception.

"Duna Without Duna," the first poetry collection by Kim Sang-hee, offers a poignant reflection on navigating life after loss. The poet's words, inspired by a moment of unexpected beauty found in the Han River, suggest a profound commitment to embracing a new reality with all her heart, even amidst sorrow.

From Taiwan, Chen Xue's short story collection "Eyes of the Sky" provides a glimpse into the contemporary queer literary landscape. The stories explore themes of love, sexuality, and the search for connection, touching upon the complexities faced by individuals in a society that has legalized same-sex marriage but still grapples with deeper questions of happiness and fulfillment.

Alfred Bester's seminal science fiction novel, "The Demolished Man," receives a reissue after 23 years. This Hugo Award-winning classic pits a telepathic police officer against a powerful crime lord in a future society where minds can be read, promising a thrilling exploration of power and consciousness.

Finally, "Live, Corrupt" gathers works from influential post-war Japanese 'mujokha' writers, including Dazai Osamu, Sakaguchi Ango, and others. This collection highlights their defiant and often self-destructive resistance against the perceived hypocrisy of the older generation that led Japan into war.