Shinwon's review

Toji is historical novel that covers Korean history from 1880’s through 1945. Seo-hee was robbed of her family and her fortune and land by an unlce, when she was in her teens. She left hometown, went to the boarder area between Korea and China, made great fortune, and then comes back to her land. Along the way, the history goes on. Undergoing Japanese colonial era, the characters show various ways of life.
This novel is truly great and overwhelming, and I respect this novel.
The thing makes this novel respectful is the characters. Every character has its unique look, diction, history, motivation, emotion, and these characters are quite believable and authentic. For example, Seo-hee herself is traced from her early childhood through her 50’s, though she undergoes some internal and external changes, her arrogant she was born with firmly sustains her character. Another example is Yong-yie, who is polite and calm but during her mid-ages goes wild and then come back to calm and peaceful person again. His change was so tragic, but he is given highly authentic motive. Because he was not able to take care of the family and rather he was take care of by the woman he loved but could not married to, he felt deep frustration and shame. Later he discovers his ability to take the responsibility, he discovers his peace and manners.
This novel is basically 21 volumes long, it took more than 20 years for the writer to finish this novel. Still, every character does not lose its consistency, and they coordinate perfectly.