Korean Book Club: Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim

Join us for a discussion of the acclaimed historical novel *Beasts of a Little Land*, originally written in English by Korean-American author Juhea Kim and later translated into Korean.

Set in Korea from 1917 through the turbulent decades of Japanese occupation, the independence movement, war, and modernization, the novel brings this pivotal period of Korean history to life through the stories of its unforgettable characters.

At the heart of the novel is Jade, a young girl who enters a courtesan school and grows into a celebrated performer. Through her journey, we enter a fascinating world of gender, class, education, sexuality, and social expectations in early 20th-century.

Discussion Topics

• Characters, Love & Choices

What shapes Jade, JungHo, and the other characters? How do love, friendship, family, ambition, and survival influence their choices and relationships? Which characters did you find most compelling?

• Courtesans, Gender & Social Expectations

Courtesans could receive education and artistic training, earn money, socialize with men, and participate in cultural and political life—opportunities largely unavailable to “respectable” women. Was this a form of empowerment, or another form of constraint? What does Jade’s experience reveal about gender, class, and women’s roles in Korean society?

• History, Independence & Korean Identity

How do Japanese occupation, the independence movement, war, and modernization affect the characters and their lives? What does the novel tell us about what it means to be Korean during such a difficult and changing time?

• Beasts of a Little Land vs. *Pachinko*

What do these two novels have in common? How do they offer different perspectives on Korean identity, survival, family, and history?

🗣 Language: The discussion will be conducted primarily in English, with Korean naturally mixed into the conversation.

✨ The Vibe: Easygoing and engaging.

👥 Who it’s for: – Book lovers – Korean literature fans – Korean/English speakers and learners. (Calling all Korean native speakers! Don’t be shy—come join us! 한국어 네이티브 분들, 다들 환영해요—부끄러워하지 마세요!) – Anyone interested in Korean history.

🔔 Please Note

• Registration is limited to 10 participants to keep the discussion intimate and engaging. RSVP ASAP! • If you can no longer make it, please cancel your registration and let someone else who is interested take your spot. Thank you!

🔔👥 How to find us? Please enter through the Capital One Cafe entrance on Broadway. Walk straight ahead, and you’ll see Community Room One on your left. Please do not walk toward the café area.