JULY 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator Greta Jung outshines the material in this historical mystery set in Korea in the 1800s. Jung narrates from the perspective of a 16-year-old indentured servant who works for the police. Jung manages to inhabit each police officer, victim, and suspect, whether that character is male or female. There are a lot of dialogue and characters, and she never misses a step. The most amazing part of Jung’s narration is when the main character, Seol, switches from her internal monologue to her speaking voice. Jung changes the tone from that of a self-assured crime-solving sleuth to that of a meek servant who should only speak when spoken to. It is remarkable and makes the audio experience so enjoyable. A.R.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
04/20/2020
Debut author Hur’s gritty mystery, set in the Joseon dynasty of 1800, centers Seol, a 16-year-old indentured servant to the Hanyang police. When the daughter of a high-ranking government official is found dead with her nose sliced off, Seol’s curiosity and impetuousness lead the enigmatic Inspector Han to recognize her sleuthing skills and promise post-investigation freedom if she cooperates. But things are not what they seem, and Seol’s own memories—of her father’s death; her mother’s suicide; and of her kind older brother, missing for 12 years—keep interfering with her duties. Hur builds suspense artfully, offering a noir-tinged atmosphere of late nights, mist-shrouded streets, and clandestine meetings. The Korean concept of han, as well as customs, language, and politics, are woven flawlessly into the narrative, which is firmly grounded in the novel’s historical basis: looming Catholic persecution, the Shinyu Bakhae of 1801. The reader is often one step ahead of the narrator, and some readers may wish to steer clear due to scenes of abuse and torture. Still, Seol’s determined pursuit of literacy and freedom, as well as the bittersweet ending, make for a memorable and worthwhile read. Ages 13–up. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
American Booksellers Association (ABA) Indies Introduce Selection
"At once haunting and evocative, June Hur's The Silence of Bones is a gorgeous, tightly-woven debut. Prepare to delve deep into the lush and dangerous world of Korea in the 1800's for a page-turner you won't soon forget." —Hafsah Faizal, New York Times-bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame
"An emotionally gripping journey. The Silence of Bones is a suspenseful, thrilling read, and readers will be swept away by Hur’s meticulous weaving of historical detail and the depth of her characters’ family ties." —Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn
"An intriguing tale that touches on class, honor, the value of one's beliefs, and the lengths one is willing to go for loyalty and family. Hur presents such a vivid portrayal of the Joseon Era that it's like stepping back in time. With its breathtaking prose and complex characters, this mystery novel is sure to keep you guessing until the very end!" —Kat Cho, author of Wicked Fox
"With exquisite prose and an astonishing eye for detail, June Hur’s The Silence of Bones will keep you up all night reading." —Nafiza Azad, author of The Candle and the Flame
"This gripping drama is definitely one you're not going to want to miss." —Buzzfeed
"This book is beautifully written, and moves at a brisk pace. ... Engaging and dynamic. Hur’s first novel does an excellent job of exploring a topic that isn’t found widely in YA literature." —School Library Journal
"The Korean concept of han, as well as customs, language, and politics, are woven flawlessly into the narrative ... Seol’s determined pursuit of literacy and freedom, as well as the bittersweet ending, make for a memorable and worthwhile read." —Publishers Weekly
"I was struck by the depth of this gripping story. ... The meditative quality of the narration of this historical mystery felt perfectly suited to the Korean setting and the backdrop of political and religious struggles. Seol’s courage, curiosity, and dedication make her a character I can’t get enough of." —Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company
"The Silence of Bones is a historic and richly atmospheric mystery that is utterly unique and difficult to put down! ... Mesmerizing." —Sarah True, Joseph-Beth Booksellers
"A well-written depiction of a part of history that we rarely see, led by a smart heroine who defies everyone's expectations of her." —Jackie Jou, Mysterious Galaxy Books
"Had me gripped from the first page!" —Robyn Broderick, The Reading Bug
"I came out with tears in my eyes and a weight lifted off my soul. ... The Silence of Bones not only brings something fresh to YA mysteries, but also transcends most adult mystery novels I’ve read ... Stunningly visual." —Sun and Chai
School Library Journal
04/01/2020
Gr 9 Up—Can a poor, illiterate orphan girl in the late 1700s make a difference in the patriarchal and conservative society of Korea? Sixteen-year-old Seol's parents have died, and as the youngest of three siblings, she has been sent to Hanyang, the capital of the southern province of the Korean peninsula, to work and to look for her long-lost brother who is assumed dead. Placed in the police bureau, she assists in the investigation of a series of gruesome murders that are stumping lead Inspector Han. While Seol tries not to overstep her position of damo, or servant, her natural curiosity gets the best of her and she meddles in the investigation. Supposed to be "seen but not heard," Seol exposes several important clues, enraging other officers who cannot handle an illiterate maid uncovering the truth before they do. Seol also finds signs that her brother is still alive and in the capital. This book is beautifully written, and moves at a brisk pace. While some of the vocabulary surrounding the culture, garments, and daily lives may be new for some readers, it will not hinder their immersion in the story. Despite some fairly grisly scenes, the plot is engaging and dynamic. VERDICT Hur's first novel does an excellent job of exploring a topic that isn't found widely in YA literature.—Carol Youssif, Taipei American School, Taiwan
JULY 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator Greta Jung outshines the material in this historical mystery set in Korea in the 1800s. Jung narrates from the perspective of a 16-year-old indentured servant who works for the police. Jung manages to inhabit each police officer, victim, and suspect, whether that character is male or female. There are a lot of dialogue and characters, and she never misses a step. The most amazing part of Jung’s narration is when the main character, Seol, switches from her internal monologue to her speaking voice. Jung changes the tone from that of a self-assured crime-solving sleuth to that of a meek servant who should only speak when spoken to. It is remarkable and makes the audio experience so enjoyable. A.R.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
