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[New in Korean] Booker shortlisted Bora Chung returns with autobiographical SF tales

"Surrender, Earth Creatures" by Bora Chung (Rabbit Hole)

"Surrender, Earth Creatures" (a literal translation of the Korean title)

By Bora Chung

Rabbit Hole

Bora Chung, a finalist for the UK International Booker Prize and the US National Book Award for her genre-defying work, "Cursed Bunny" (translated by Anton Hur), has returned with a collection of science fiction stories titled "Surrender, Earth Creatures."

"Surrender, Earth Creatures" is a delightful, animated compilation of stories that incorporates Chung's autobiographical reflections, shedding light on the harsh realities and unfair treatment faced by part-time lecturers, and how her life changed after becoming a full-time writer.

Chung began her career as a part-time lecturer at a university. Despite a master's degree from Yale and a doctorate in Russian literature from Indiana University, Chung faced challenging work conditions, especially as a part-time lecturer. Known for her outspoken nature, Chung took a leading role in advocating for better conditions for part-time lecturers, participating in many strikes and protests.

The first story, "Octopus," takes a comedic turn as an alien resembling an octopus joins the picket line. The creature is caught by the chairman (of the labor union), who has a particular fondness for seafood, and ends up as sushi.

Similarly, Chung adds her signature humor and twists to the six interconnected stories in the collection that feature two main characters -- "I" and her husband, the chairman.

Chung artfully weaves in some of her real-life experiences, including her initial encounter with her husband. Stripped of its sci-fi elements, the anthology could be read as an essay due to its raw honesty.



By Hwang Dong-hee (hwangdh@heraldcorp.com)
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