WELCOME TO THE HYUNAM-DONG BOOKSHOP

Rosa Escoda's narration of this slice-of-life audiobook is like being wrapped in a blanket still warm from the dryer. Frustrated by her indifferent marriage and burned-out by her competitive career, Yeongju leaves both behind to open a bookstore that becomes a refuge to those seeking peace and renewal. Escoda's brisk pace and gentle tone carry listeners along as Yeongju reconciles her childhood dream of owning a bookshop with the business of attracting and keeping customers. A nonlinear approach to time and a focus on character vignettes create a feeling of suspended reality in which the bookshop, the books, and the importance of reading are as central as Yeongju herself. Escoda subtly calibrates her performance to make this story's dreamlike mood irresistible. N.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2024]