4/5
Structure:
This book has a three act structure and interestingly swtiches the protagonist Yeong-Hye from the subject to the object of the story.
Her weird and dark tumbling descent is seen in each act through the POV of a different relative. Yeong-Hye’s character is impervious to their actions, ignoring them or enduring them in equal measure.
This is a really interesting structure and works beautifully in this novel with a central character who is introverted and virtually mute.
Something to consider when you have a central character who is difficult to get into the head of.
Sherlock Holmes is the polar oppposite of Yeong-Hye, a fast paced, intellectually crsip character. He is also written as the object of Watson’s documentation.
The reason for both of these characters to be written as object is essentially the same; we can’t get in their heads. Holmes is above us intellectually, we can only wonder what his brilliant mind is thinking. Yeong-Hye is impenetrable. We are left on the outside of her wall, wondering what she is thinking.
So if you are struggling with the POV of your central character, it might be worth considering an object / subject switch.