aly ☆彡 's Reviews > Soyangri Book Kitchen

The concept of a space blending a bookshop, a cafe, and a 'book stay' for overnight guests felt like a direct manifestation of my own dream to run a book-based business. So, when I discovered this book, a story that not only explores this very idea but adds the irresistible allure of a place you can actually stay in - I am sold! It felt as though the premise had been crafted just for me and it was a vision so enthralling it felt almost too good to be true. And that immediate, personal connection is what compelled me to pick it up.

Soyangri Book Kitchen begins when the protagonist, Yoojin, buys a piece of land in the quiet town of Soyangri and opens a book cafe. Originally an IT entrepreneur, Yoojin becomes worn out by intense competition, conflicts with her business partner, and the strain of human relationships. In search of a fresh start, she opens the cafe not only as a place of personal healing but gradually becomes a cozy, healing space for many others.

Similarly, I have noticed that healing novels have become increasingly favored, and they happen to be the kind of books I turn to when I have limited time to read. Their widespread appeal reflects a reality where we are living in a time when people genuinely need comfort and emotional restoration. While the structure may be foreseeable, their popularity impart that readers are yearning for the emotions we so often overlook in our busy lives; where what we really need above all is simply a moment of rest.

And so, this book embraces the same form where each chapter unfolds as a self-contained story, focusing on a new visitor to the Soyangri Book Kitchen and the personal struggles they carry through its doors. We meet Diane, a famous idol haunted by the loss of her grandmother's love; Suhyuk, the scion of a wealthy yet emotionally barren family; and Sohee, an overachieving student blind to her own declining health. Alongside others connected to the owner Yoojin's past, these characters find that within the warm embrace of the cafe, they begin to heal, rediscover hope, and find their way back to the warmth of life.

The novel also vividly captures the changing faces of nature across the four seasons with striking clarity. As I followed the stories that mirrored the spring, summer, autumn, and winter of one’s thirties, I felt as though I were truly living through those seasons myself. Before I knew it, the characters in the story were meeting one another—sharing meals, listening to music, talking about books, and drinking wine together.

At the same time, it is clear that the author is still finding her footing as a writer. The lack of formal experience shows in certain structural choices, like the shifting points of view, which can make the story feel uneven at times. While the chapters are riveting, the endings often feel unfinished and do not provide enough emotional payoff. This lingering sense of incompleteness left me feeling a bit unsettled rather than comforted.

Interestingly, despite the name 'Book Kitchen', there is very little actual food in the story. Instead, the “kitchen” serves a metaphorical meal of books and quiet companionship. It is a charming and creative concept, though it did make me wonder about the title’s literal meaning. Perhaps, at times as I would have it, Soyangri Book Kitchen is more of a sanctuary or a place to pause and reflect than a literal kitchen. It feels as if the story is gently urging us to lift our heads and keep going. The people who visit this haven take a moment to set aside the noise of daily life and look inward. Some open up long-hidden memories they have kept tucked away in their hearts, while others find the courage to move forward during their stay.

In a society increasingly defined by individualism, this novel reminded me that warmth and compassion have not vanished; they are simply waiting for us to reach out with an open heart. In the end, Soyangri Book Kitchen reaffirmed my belief that life, despite everything, is indeed a good journey.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed or rushed, this book feels like a rest stop on the road. I found myself thinking that if I had a personal hideaway like Soyangri Book Kitchen; a place where my heart could rest, I might also be able to find strength even in moments that taste as bitter as black coffee.