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Today's Staff Picks is available as an eBook on Library2Go (Overdrive).
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
Recommended by Heather
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha tells the story of four young women living in an OfficeTel in South Korea. Each woman struggles to navigate the strict South Korean societal constraints placed on them with faltering degrees of success. Kuri is a "room salon" girl where only the most beautiful women are able to entertain men while they drink. Sujin is desperate to change her face and undergoes multiple surgeries, including a traumatizing jaw reshaping procedure. Ara is a talented hair stylist whose infatuation with the lead singer of a Korean pop boy band is all consuming. Miho is a student artist dating a wealthy Korean man far outside of her social circle, to the horror of his mother.
Through the women's narratives we get to experience what it might be like to be a young women living in contemporary Seoul. It is through the women’s friendships and shared experiences that they are able to endure daily life, despite the pressures of attaining a homogeneous Korean beauty standard and existing in a staunch hierarchical, patriarchal and extremely competitive society.
This is a great read for readers who are looking to learn more about another culture through a fictional narrative.
Throughout our temporary Library closure, we will be highlighting some of our favourite eBooks and audiobooks for you. Visit our Library From Your Living Room webpage for a list of library materials you can access from home.
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