Umma, why do you do this to them?

Reading 'The Eyes Are The Best Part' by Monika Kim felt like stepping into a vivid psychological maze where each detail mattered, especially the haunting motif of eyes. Ji-won’s fixation on the blue eyes, floating and lifelike, powerfully symbolizes how grief and curiosity can entwine in the human mind. From my own experience, when I’ve faced emotional turmoil, certain images or ideas often take on outsized significance, similar to Ji-won’s dreams of eyes. This novel captures that obsessive nature really well, making the reader question what’s real and what stems from the protagonist’s inner world. The story’s unique approach, blending family dynamics with psychological suspense, highlights how trauma reshapes perception. Although the novel lacks traditional plot twists, the slow unraveling of Ji-won’s spiral offers a different kind of tension—one built on atmosphere and internal struggle rather than external shocks. The mention by The New York Times Book Review, calling it "gruesome and wildly original," reflects the eerie and unsettling mood that permeates the book. That originality resonates, especially for readers tired of predictable thrillers. It’s a reminder that psychological depth and symbol-rich storytelling can be just as gripping. For anyone intrigued by explorations of emotional fractures and how the human psyche copes with mysterious new obsessions, this book provides a profound, if sometimes unsettling, journey. Ji-won’s relationship with her mother Umma and the introduction of the enigmatic George create a compelling backdrop to this intense internal drama. Ultimately, 'The Eyes Are The Best Part' serves as a thought-provoking read about the ways we deal with loss and the strange paths our minds can take when confronted with unknown fears and desires.