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Book Recommendation by Im Chaeeun
If We Cannot Move at the Speed of Light

This book is a collection of short works of science fiction (sci-fi) written in the unique style of author Kim Cho-yeop. However, unlike many sci-fi stories that some might find too difficult to imagine, this book presents stories that could very possibly exist in a parallel universe.

Among the seven stories in the book, “Symbiosis Theory” is most enchanting to me, as the unexpected twist in the story truly stayed with me long after completing it. One of the most striking and impressive things about the book is its lack of explanations.

Due to the book being an omnibus edition, outlining detailed background information for each story would prove difficult for the author. Perhaps that is why she chose to knit the stories together quite densely. Readers are therefore encouraged to read between the lines and deduce the setup themselves.

I recommend this book to those with busy routines, who would like to read short stories that linger on in their minds.

If any of you would like to read stories that are even shorter than those contained in this book, you may want to try Planet Language Bookstore, another collection of eerie sci-fi short stories by the same author. Personally, I thought this collection felt similar to Charlie Brooker’s anthology TV series Black Mirror because of its lingering impression. If you enjoyed Black Mirror, you are bound to enjoy this book too.

Im ChaeeunBookIf We Cannot Move at the Speed of LightKim Cho-yeopSymbiosis TheoryPlanet Language Bookstore