[Subdue] The Silence of Bones by June Hur ★★★★

[Tien]

A hauntingly beautiful novel as we follow the protagonist, Seol, in her effort to find her lost older brother and solve a murder mystery at the same time. She as a female being indentured to the police bureau is as low as possible on the society ladder and they must not be seen nor speak their thoughts. An intelligent and curious young woman as Seol is, sometimes or rather a lot of the times, she could not help herself. Her light will shine through no matter who wills against it.

I love the setting of Korea in the 1800s. It is not one I read very often so I have very much enjoyed being in a different place with different feels and a very real issue. There were so many themes to explore in this novel (very much a bookclub book!) but notes also that real historical political issues/situations (and even religion as Catholicism were spreading then) were presented in this novel. I'm so keen to learn more on this part of history.

The cast of characters were wonderfully diverse from Seol who just tugs at your heart, easily loveable Woorim, hard but vulnerable Inspector Han, courageous Lady Kang, and many others. The complexity layering of the mystery with the political unrest was enganging and adding to that the missing brother, it became something the reader is really invested in to solve. The Silence of Bones is a captivating novel of dreams, loyalty, and heartbreak.

[Cora]

I have been meaning to get to this one. I am glad you enjoyed it.

[Theresa]

Wow, what a great review! Definitely adding to my TBR.