A Mirror for The Blind: Reflections of a Digital Seoul

I'm in awe of the concept, characters, theme, and overall execution of this book. Following along on the journeys of the white-collar workers as they take on Seoul, Korea. It amazes me every time how attached we've become to our smartphones. We can't live without them, plus the glow from the screens damages our minds and nerves, causing headaches. Jeong Mu did an excellent job of reflecting on this pressing issue through the point of view of each of the characters. This book is beyond fascinating and filled with valuable insight.I could not find anything to dislike about this book. It was written and edited beautifully. It's a book anyone can relate to because of how much we use and rely on our phones. There is no reason not to award this book a five star rating.

While A Mirror for The Blind takes place in Seoul, some of the difficulties these young adults face cross the cultural barrier. As in many countries, the friends in this novel were told from a young age to work hard in school to get into a good college so they can get a good job, and have an easier life. What they find is they still have difficulty finding a job after college, can't afford rent even with the good job, and are in debt from school loans.The novel follows three friends trying to make their way in modern society. The story is relatable and makes for a quick weekend read.

A Mirror for the Blind by Mu Jeong is a novel that centers around a 32-year-old man called Youngbaek who lives in Seoul and works in an office. It also features his high school friends and girlfriend, who are all struggling with their own challenges. The novel tackles topics such as the societal pressures placed on young Korean people, social media addiction, and the dangers of speculating in the stock market. The book's take on society is quite negative, so this isn't a light-hearted story. However, I believe that there is a lot of value in addressing these issues, which affect many people in Korea and around the world.I had some trouble getting into the story due to the confusing perspective changes from third to first person and the lack of dialog tags. Sometimes, I didn't know who was speaking, and I had to go back and reread passages. There were also a few spelling errors that made the novel harder to enjoy. However, some of this might be due to the fact that the structure of the original language is very different from English. Overall, an enjoyable novel that deals with important societal topics.

In this novel, the vivid depiction of everyday life cleverly masks the characters' true identities, critiquing the relentless pursuit of wealth and societal labels of success. The story, featuring a unique concept of a 'Poverty Therapist: Val-You', satirizes the societal fixation on financial status, encapsulating characters in a relentless quest for perfection, akin to solving a Rubik's Cube. As someone new to translated literature, I found the novel's length manageable and engaging. Its interwoven vignettes and gradual character development culminated dramatically, offering an insightful glimpse into contemporary Korean life, addressing themes of work, relationships, and the irony of seeking acknowledgment through fiction. The novel's realistic and relatable narrative was both intriguing and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.

"Mirror for the Blind" by Mu Jeong gives a deep look into modern Korean life, focusing on the tough expectations of careers in Korea. It offers a fresh view of Seoul, especially the competitive work world with its focus on success, ambition, and challenges.Young people worldwide, especially millennials, who have become more independent, can relate to the experiences of Youngbaek and Dongjoo in the story. Their aspirations are similar to many in the corporate sector.Overall a very good read. It helps explore the Korean culture and gives an insights into the daily running of life. A recommended read for avid readers.

I loved reading this book. It was a really smooth read, and pulled me right in. I always like reading scifi and dystopian novels, and this one did not disappoint. It was dystopian like a George Orwell novel, and scifi/tech like an Isaac Asimov novel, updated for the 21st century. I also like reading about how life is like around the world, and enjoyed the deep dive into Seoul's work culture and digital culture. I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family to read. I enjoyed every bit of it, and would probably read it again.

Jeong Mu’s “A Mirror for the Blind” is a beautifully crafted reflection on Korean careerism. By following a group of adolescents navigating their lives in modern Korea, it highlights how attached the Korean worker is to their smartphones, making them (and indeed workers outside of Korea) akin to drones.The book also highlights the pressures that young Koreans face when it comes to getting into proper schools, something youths struggle with across cultures.

At first, this book reeled me in and had me curious to see where the story was going. Quickly I realized that the first half is rather slow going and a bit repetitive, but I think that's part of what the author was trying to convey. Soul crushing careers and wages, harsh judgement from peers, comparison addiction, this book really covers the struggle I think a lot of people can relate to. The last half of the book I finished in one sitting because I couldn't stop turning the pages. It's absolutely worth getting through the rather gloomy parts of the book to experience the poetry and beauty this story has to offer. And for it being a translated book, it actually reads fairly well! There were times I was quite confused about who was talking as it does switch between a few different characters, but overall I could piece the story together just fine.If you can handle sad topics, I'd absolutely recommend checking this one out!

This novel is an insightful exploration into the lives of three friends in Seoul who are trying to navigate their way through adult life. I found it very relatable and an absolute pleasure to read. It was an excellent snapshot into Korean life and showcases the pressure of the societal expectations foisted upon them.This is a must read for people who enjoy a little bit of social commentary mixed in with their fiction.

Call it exposing or exploring, "A Mirror for The Blind: Reflections of Digital Seoul" just accurately tells us what are magnitudes of an average working lifestyle in Korean society. This novel that delves into the complexities of life in Korea. If you can imagine what an ideal lifestyle for a young working-class Korean would be, this book provides a clear description of that imagination.This can be generalized as well about the corporate sector; most youngsters share similar aspirations, particularly millennials around the world who have gained independence in their lives will relate to the experiences of Youngbaek and Dongjoo in the story.This novel can be considered a raw portrayal of contemporary Korean society with all its imperfections and aspirations. The book features multiple characters, each of them equally intriguing, carrying their personal and professional identities that oscillate between the desire to compete and the urge to let go without worry.It's not a great idea to simply let go of everything, as everyone strives to fortify the financial foundation of their lives, which has, unfortunately, become something of a desperate obsession. They are always on their phones, on the bus, even in the bathroom, thinking about stocks and other investments.The book is structured and presented in an engaging way as it transitions between various characters. Each character is fascinating to learn about and follow, and the themes of the book provide a snapshot of Korean society. The intense and competitive work culture of Korean society vividly comes to life in this novel. At some point, rest and relaxation almost feel like a burden, illustrating how inseparable work and life are in Korean society."A Mirror for The Blind: Reflections of Digital Seoul" is an reflective novel that offers a unique perspective on contemporary Korean society. It's a great read, particularly for millennials, who will undoubtedly find it both fascinating and relatable.

This book was amazing it covered so many aspects of life, Korean culture, Korean society class and office workers environment in real life, blink date, marriage, finding a wife, housing property price on high rise unable to afford to buy house with budget in mind. Investment in Shares has been unsuccessful due to multi reason and how Korean society became addicted to social media they always on their phones, head down scroll up/down clicking ❤and been satisfied with enough post for today and likes.

A Mirror for The Blind delves into the Korean work culture and the ever-growing addiction to social media. Achievements and career advancements are celebrated, and struggles are hushed. Through a group of white-collar workers, we see the fight of trying to make a living and the competitive nature of Korean society.A Mirror for The Blind "is acclaimed" for its "raw portrayal of contemporary Korean society", and I can see why. This book is a novel that is heavily based on real-life Korea. A competitive, materialistic society that claws its way to the top. Reading this book felt a little like falling down the rabbit hole. From the get-go, there is a huge emphasis on social status, monetary earnings, and social media. These tie into the running theme of comparisons, which is dominant in the book.The story is written through different perspectives of the characters we meet. Through this technique, it quickly becomes apparent that everyone is fighting the same battles. From the outside, everyone seems to have the perfect life. There is a surface picture that everyone sees and wants you to see. But no one truly knows what goes on underneath that public facade. This book explores that, and the more you read, the more you feel the desperation leaking from the pages.I highly recommend this book. It gets into the nitty gritty of Korean society, culture and the secrets it hides. This book contains depths of truth that are becoming more prevalent in current times. It is a thought-provoking read. I daresay it will make you reflect on your own daily experiences.

"A Mirror for the Blind: Reflections of a Digital Seoul" by Mu Jeong offers an insightful and raw portrayal of contemporary Korean society, shedding light on the crushing demands of Korean careerism. The book presents a unique and intriguing perspective on the intricacies of life in Seoul, particularly within the competitive corporate landscape, where privilege, ambition, and the pressure to succeed are ever-present.The novel excels in its realistic depiction of everyday life in Seoul, immersing readers in the complexities of Korean culture. Through a series of overlapping vignettes and character-driven storytelling, Jeong gradually unravels a web of relationships, aspirations, and dreams. The characters grapple with their desire for recognition and success, which often leads them to hide their true selves and engage in a relentless rat race.One notable and thought-provoking element in the story is the introduction of 'Poverty Therapist: Val-You', a concept that mirrors the societal obsession with wealth and material success. It serves as a satirical commentary on the relentless pursuit of financial gain at the expense of creativity and personal fulfillment.While the narrative's pacing takes some time to establish, the slow build of characters and their intricate connections eventually comes to a dramatic and surprising climax. The book offers a unique lens into modern Korean working and dating culture, providing readers with an engaging and immersive experience.However, it's worth noting that the slow pacing at the beginning may require patience from some readers. Additionally, the overlapping vignettes, while offering depth to the characters, can be a bit confusing at times.In summary, "A Mirror for the Blind" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that takes readers on a journey through the demanding and materialistic landscape of contemporary Seoul. Mu Jeong's portrayal of everyday life in the city is highly realistic and relatable, making the story engaging and immersive. Despite some initial pacing challenges, the book's unique perspective on Korean society and its themes of ambition and identity make it a valuable addition to the world of translated literature. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the nuances of Korean culture and society. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.Thank youHappy Reading