This genre defying book is incredible. It's part dark academia, part sci-fi. It's a mix of myth, magical realism and generational curses. It's a musing on science, mental illness and family bonds.


Starting in Antarctica we follow Elsa, a physicist working on her PHD, as she moves between Sweden and America. Elsa's also dealing with grief, trying to find meaning in the myths her mother told her as a child.


There was lots of physics that went over my head, a dissection of Korean folklore, and the study of runes. It's hard to know what's real and what's not. I felt the same disorientation that Elsa feels.


Folklorn was a very timely read with the increase in hate crimes against Asian people. Elsa ponders lots on the immigrant experience, and how she experiences race in America vs in Sweden.


Elsa's parents immigrated to America after the Korean war. They speak little English and their trauma and disconnection to both Korean and American culture, created rifts and discontent in their family home.


There's lots of interesting discussion around identity in the Korean diaspora. Elsa very much identifies as Korean, even though it's a country she's never stepped in. Another character, Oskar was adopted from Korea to Swedish parents who largely ignored his race. Together and separately, they try and grapple with their ties to Korea, its myths and their identity.


Folklorn explores the cultural myths and generational trauma we inherit. We see the complicated mother-daughter relationship that defines (and begins to consume) much of Elsa's life.


The book explores how families support and suffocate each other. Elsa changes her opinions on her parents and brother throughout the book. Her feelings deepen with understanding and empathy. Much like how my opinion on Elsa changed . She's often frustrating but you can't help but feel for her.


It's a book that leads to lots of introspection. I'm still thinking about it a week later. There lots of heavy topics but it ends on a hopeful note.