A review of June Hur's 2022 novel and a further look at the Joseon Dynasty.
Author: June Hur
Released: January 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Pages: 336
Audiobook Length: 9 hours (approx.)
Awards/Acclaim
One of the Most Anticipated Books of 2022 According to Podcasters
Review
The Red Palace starts with a bang. There is no quiet lull to get to the suspense and conflict. June Hur serves it at the opening gate.
I do have an issue or two with the book. I listened to The Red Palace on audio, as I usually do, and I am unsure if the audiobook narrator or the writing itself made the main character so one-dimensional.
The audiobook narrator gives the lead character, Hyeon, an aura of whininess that isn't necessary. But, also, the writing of the character does lack the amount of dimension I would have preferred. Regardless, this book would have been far superior in my own voice. It is one to be read not listened to on audio.
Plot
Hyeon is the illegitimate daughter of Lord Shin. She lacks status but has managed to rise to the position of palace nurse.
"To enter the palace means to walk a path stained in blood."
Following the death of four women, she embarks on clearing the name of her beloved imprisoned mentor. Hyeon teams up with police inspector Eojin to hunt for the real killer. The duo leads no stone unturned even venturing into the darkest corners of the palace to discover the truth.
Additional Comments
June Hur delivers at giving readers an intricately woven murder mystery. I simply wish she would have given half as much effort in giving Hyeon further development as a character. Having daddy issues shouldn't be a personality, but maybe I'm wrong on that assertion. Also, young Hyeon is only 18 years old in this story. Perhaps, I'm expecting a character with the emotional complexity of someone older. In this case, it is an issue with the reader, not the writing.
About the Author
June Hur is the bestselling author of YA historical mysteries The Silence of Bones and The Forest of Stolen Girls.
She was born in Korea and raised in Canada, though she did return to Korea during her high school years. She studied history and literature at the University of Toronto. And, currently resides in Canada.
Content Warnings
None
Verdict
Score: 8.85/10
If you plan on reading this book please read it, as the audiobook wasn't an optimal form of consumption for me. I found the audiobook narration lacking. Regardless, June Hur did write an interesting 18th-century murder mystery that reflected Asian culture of the time.
Pick it up at your library, local bookstore, or favorite online retailer.
Extra Credit
The Red Palace is loosely based on the life and times of a certain individual. If you don't mind spoilers (though I question if it is a spoiler or not) or if you would like to learn more about this specific individual check out one of my favorite podcasts on the topic. Link here.
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