A satisfied smile surely awaits readers of The Rainfall Market, the bestselling debut fantasy by Korean author You Yeong-Gwang, arriving in an inviting English translation from Slin Jung. The feel-good, magical narrative features a teen's self-discovery quest with (slightly) softened reminders of universal, contemporary societal challenges.
Serin "didn't ask for much. All she wanted was an ordinary life." Her father died, leaving the family poor. Their home burned down, forcing a move into a dark, semi-basement apartment, and now the building is slated for demolition. Her mother is overworked; her younger sister ran away a year earlier without any further contact. Serin is finishing high school soon but has "no chance of saving enough for university." She has no friends; she's "always alone. Always lonely." One night, with nothing to lose, Serin chooses to believe a local legend about the Rainfall Market and writes a long letter describing her difficult life. "Rumor had it if you sent a letter about your misfortune" to a certain abandoned house in Rainbow Town outside the big city, "you would receive a mysterious Ticket. If you brought that ticket to the house on the first day of the rainy season, you could completely change your life."
Two months later, Serin finds a "vivid red envelope in the letterbox." Inside is an unusual offer: "Would you be interested in selling us your misfortune? At the Rainfall Market, you will have the chance to trade in your misfortune for a happier story in our stock." When the rain (finally) arrives, Serin leaves a hurried note for her mother and rushes to Rainbow Town, where she meets numerous Dokkaebi--mythical Korean goblins, some kind, some not. Her misfortunes earn her significant amount of gold coins that allow her to shop throughout the Rainfall Market for Dokkaebi Orbs; each orb "contains the extraordinary--or ordinary--life you desire." Serin's new wealth means she'll have many lives to try; she just needs to choose the one by the end of the rainy season. What she'll discover--with the help of her puppy-like guide-kitty Issha--will, of course, be full of unexpected surprises.
You's acknowledgements reveal his publishing journey--initially rebuffed with "We don't believe your writing has what it takes for publication." His self-described result, "a light, fun read that was still packed with meaning," is exactly what audiences are gifted here. Rainfall Market's undeniable antidotal qualities will surely soothe minds and warm hearts. --Terry Hong
Shelf Talker: This bestselling Korean import presents a delightfully magical quest about a tenacious teen struggling to escape her difficult life--guided by a puppy-like kitty.