Description

Book Synopsis

In this work, the smoldering hatred of the Korean War period resurfaces decades later in the form of a ruthless quest for justice. The main character, a successful Seoul businessman, has a secret past: unknown to his wife and son, he once led another life under another name as a ruthless communist partisan. After a lifelong search, the son of one of his wartime victims discovers his true identity, then proceeds calmly and deliberately to exact a terrible revenge.



Trade Review

Playing with Fire is densely layered with symbolism throughout. Each character's name and each place name reveals a range of possible meanings too complex to summarize here. While this penchant for symbolism might seem an unnecessary affectation at times, particularly when it appears to be obvious, it would be a mistake to leap to conclusions before careful consideration of these gestures from a variety of perspectives.

* Korean Quarterly *

Playing with Fire: A Novel

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    £14.39

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    RRP £15.99 – you save £1.60 (10%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 7 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Chong-Rae Cho, Kyung-Ja Chun

    1 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of Playing with Fire: A Novel by Chong-Rae Cho

      Publisher: Cornell University Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 31/03/2010
      ISBN13: 9781885445858, 978-1885445858
      ISBN10: 1885445857

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      In this work, the smoldering hatred of the Korean War period resurfaces decades later in the form of a ruthless quest for justice. The main character, a successful Seoul businessman, has a secret past: unknown to his wife and son, he once led another life under another name as a ruthless communist partisan. After a lifelong search, the son of one of his wartime victims discovers his true identity, then proceeds calmly and deliberately to exact a terrible revenge.



      Trade Review

      Playing with Fire is densely layered with symbolism throughout. Each character's name and each place name reveals a range of possible meanings too complex to summarize here. While this penchant for symbolism might seem an unnecessary affectation at times, particularly when it appears to be obvious, it would be a mistake to leap to conclusions before careful consideration of these gestures from a variety of perspectives.

      * Korean Quarterly *

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