✨Behind Five Willows by June Hur - review✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Behind Five Willows.
I have loved reading June Hur’s works like The Red Palace and A Crane Among Wolves. I love the way she uses history to create such captivating and immersive stories which allow you to understand Korean culture a little more.
“You would marry for something as mundane as love?”
“Mundane? Love is the closest thing to the heavens.”
Behind Five Willows is a wonderful book that gives readers a glimpse of the Joseon Dynasty-era Korea through a Pride & Prejudice-like story.
I love Pride & Prejudice and June Hur’s writing, so when I heard Behind Five Willows was in the works — I knew I needed to read it! Life would not be complete without it! I was right about that.
The influence of Pride & Prejudice was prominent throughout Behind Five Willows and yet, was entirely its own story.
From page one, I noticed how each character introduced had depth, with distinct personalities and temperaments. I loved the inclusion of Maid Boram as a perhaps overly, protective and motherly figure to Haewon. I also adored Haewon, our protagonist, who is brave, intelligent, determined, spirited, and incredibly strong. I can only imagine living in 1792 in Korea as a transcriber and a woman.
Seojun was such an interesting character as well. He was being crushed by his father’s expectations and ideals while fighting to maintain his own. Wol was also a favorite character. I want to be her! She seems like such a strong person who is secure in her ideals and herself. I strive to be like her.
Back to the overall story, I absolutely loved it! Obviously! In my opinion, June Hur never misses. The way she creates the atmosphere of whichever setting the characters are in with vivid imagery. One of my favorite was:
“golden light streamed through the high-set windows illuminating dust motes drifting in the air… the comforting mustiness of aged paper warmed the air.”
Like?! I am literally inside that secret library with Wol and Haewon!
There are so many things I love about this book that I wouldn’t be able to fit into this review. I will probably update this at a later date with more!
I am SO grateful to have been chosen for an advanced reading copy of Behind Five Willows!
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As someone who adores Jane Austen, especially 'Pride & Prejudice,' I couldn't wait to dive into how June Hur would reimagine that classic love story within the rich tapestry of the Joseon Dynasty. And let me tell you, she absolutely delivers! 'Behind Five Willows' takes the familiar themes of societal expectations, class differences, and the slow burn of intellectual attraction, and weaves them seamlessly into 18th-century Korea. You get all the wit and yearning you love from P&P, but with a uniquely Korean historical backdrop that feels incredibly fresh and immersive. The book truly shines as a YA novel, presenting strong, relatable protagonists like Haewon and Wol who navigate complex worlds. Haewon, a transcriber in 1792 Korea, embodies a fierce intelligence and determination that makes her incredibly easy to root for. Her journey, alongside characters like the conflicted Seojun, delves into self-discovery and standing firm in one's ideals, even when faced with immense pressure. This isn't just a romance; it’s a story about finding your voice and identity in a world that tries to define you. What I particularly loved was how Hur incorporated fascinating historical elements and themes, some hinted at by the promotional image, such as 'book censorship' and 'secret identities.' Haewon’s role as a transcriber subtly highlights the power and danger of words in that era. The undercurrent of 'yearning' between characters is palpable, creating a beautifully nuanced historical romance. It’s not just a love story, but a journey through a world where even books can hold secrets and identities are not always what they seem. June Hur has a remarkable gift for crafting atmosphere and bringing history to life. Much like her other works, 'The Red Palace' and 'A Crane Among Wolves,' this novel transports you. You can almost feel the 'comforting mustiness of aged paper' and see the 'golden light' described in the prose. The depiction of Joseon-era Korean attire on the cover further hints at the rich visual experience awaiting readers inside. If you enjoy historical fiction, compelling mysteries, or simply a beautifully written romance that makes you think, then 'Behind Five Willows' is a book you absolutely need on your radar. For those of you who love a good historical romance with a touch of mystery and a strong female lead, mark your calendars! This captivating story is set to release on May 26, 2026. Get ready to be swept away to Joseon Korea!