The book by South Korean author Bora Chung is a collection of 10 stories.
Alongside themes of horror, the author delves into topics such as capitalism, patriarchy, environmental destruction, and family bonds. The story that gives the book its name, Cursed Bunny, revolves around a sorcerer creating a cursed rabbit figurine to exact revenge on a businessman who harmed their family.
The story questions the concepts of justice and revenge while criticizing the cruel face of the capitalist system.
The stories that impacted me the most were Cursed Bunny, Reincarnation, The Headless Man, and Reunion.
In her stories, Bora Chung presents events and characters that trigger people's deepest fears: supernatural forces, grotesque monsters, or ordinary individuals victimized by society. Each tale offers both terror and profound reflection, creating unique worlds for readers to explore.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it might not appeal to everyone. Readers sensitive to disturbing themes may find it challenging. However, for those who appreciate dark and thought-provoking stories, this book will be unforgettable.
One of the main issues—or perhaps challenges—when reading this book lies in its nature as a story collection. I don’t expect every story to be equally strong, but while some stories (Cursed Bunny, The Headless Man) are deeply compelling and memorable, others (The Land of the Dead, The House) feel weaker and more ordinary. This unevenness slightly disrupts the book’s overall impact.
Lastly, the book has a consistently dark, grim, and gloomy tone. There’s an overwhelming sense of hopelessness that can feel exhausting at times.