International Booker-nominated virtuoso Hwang Sok-yong is back with another powerful story -- an epic, multi-generational tale that threads together a century of Korean history. Centred on three generations of a family of rail workers and a laid-off factory worker staging a high-altitude sit-in, MATER 2-10vividly depicts the lives of ordinary working Koreans, starting from the Japanese colonial era, continuing through Liberation, and right up to the twenty-first century. It is at once a powerful account that captures a nation's longing for a rail line to reconnect North and South, a magical-realist novel that depicts reflect the lives of modern industrial workers, and a culmination of Hwang's career -- a masterpiece thirty years in the making. A true voice of a generation, Hwang shows again why he is unmatched when it comes to depicting the grief of a divided nation and bringing to life the cultural identity and trials and tribulations of the Korean people.
Hwang Sok-yong Book order






- 2023
- 2018
Familiar Things
- 216 pages
- 8 hours of reading
This book has extensive daily and online review coverage, along with giveaways on platforms like Litsy and Goodreads. Advance reader copies were available in October 2017, and galleys can be found on Edelweiss. Co-op options are also available.
- 2018
At Dusk
- 144 pages
- 6 hours of reading
In the evening of his life, a wealthy man begins to wonder if he might have missed the point.Park Minwoo is, by every measure, a success story. Born into poverty in a miserable neighbourhood of Seoul, he has ridden the wave of development in a rapidly modernising society. Now the director of a large architectural firm, his hard work and ambition have brought him triumph and satisfaction. But when his company is investigated for corruption, he’s forced to reconsider his role in the transformation of his country.At the same time, he receives an unexpected message from an old friend, Cha Soona, a woman that he had once loved, and then betrayed. As memories return unbidden, Minwoo recalls a world he thought had been left behind — a world he now understands that he has helped to destroy.In At Dusk, one of Korea's most renowned and respected authors continues his gentle yet urgent project of evaluating Korea’s past, and examining the things, and the people, that have been given up in a never-ending quest to move forward.
- 2014
The Shadow of Arms
- 576 pages
- 21 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of Da Nang during the Vietnam War, this novel offers a unique perspective through the eyes of a South Korean mercenary. It intricately explores the black markets and the multifaceted nature of war, presenting a narrative rich with intrigue and complex subplots. While vividly depicting battle scenes, the story transcends mere conflict, delving into the human condition and the shared experiences of individuals caught in the turmoil of war, making it a compelling read that captures the essence of humanity amid chaos.
- 2012
The Old Garden
- 544 pages
- 20 hours of reading
The book, translated into English in 2009, offers a rich narrative that delves into its characters' intricate lives and the cultural backdrop that shapes their experiences. It explores profound themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition, making it a compelling read for those interested in nuanced storytelling. The translation captures the original's essence while making it accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that the depth of the narrative resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds.