And the River Drags Her Down: A Stunning Debut That Will Leave You Breathless
I picked up And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. How could a debut novel meld Korean folklore with a haunting exploration of grief and sisterhood? Yet, just a few pages in, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special, and I still can’t shake the feeling of awe that comes with reading such a profound story. Seriously, a debut? It’s mind-boggling.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a small town enveloped in shadows, the core of the story dives deeper than mere horror. It choreographs a haunting dance between grief and yearning—two emotions that can twist a person into something unrecognizable. Soojin Han is our reluctant protagonist, grappling with the aftermath of her mother’s death and the far-too-recent drowning of her sister, Mirae. In her desperate bid for connection—one birthed from pain—Soojin embarks on an act of necromancy which, as her mother warned, might revive something more monstrous than she anticipated.
While I found Soojin’s prickliness somewhat off-putting at times, that discomfort worked beautifully within the narrative. It painted an authentic portrait of grief, embodying her anger and loneliness like thorns, as if preparing to lash out at anyone who dared to care. But beyond Soojin, the fabric of this tale is woven intricately with the stories of those around her. Mirae, who transformed into the family’s emotional anchor after their mother’s death, offers sobering insight into the weight of responsibility. As the threads of their lives intertwine, I was struck by the narrative’s complexity, gradually revealing that even in pain, humanity finds a way to surface.
The writing in this novel is simply mesmerizing. Yun’s poetic prose grips you from the first sentence and keeps you ensnared until the very last. I initially grappled with the shifting perspectives and timelines, but once I acclimated, the seamless flow felt refreshing—each chapter a new, dark current pulling me deeper into the water. One standout moment that lingered in my mind involved a chilling yet beautiful image: “His gaping mouth pooled with brackish water, dark with silt. And from it a white lotus grew…” It’s a moment that encapsulates the uncanny melding of renewal and decay—a reminder that life can flourish even in the darkest places.
And let’s talk about the side characters. From the unwavering support of Mark Moon to the complex relationship with her father, each player is deeply layered and resonates long after you’ve turned the last page. The tenderness between Soojin and Mark was particularly affecting, grounded in an understanding that transcended mere friendship. And then there’s Bentley Porter—someone I thought I could never like, yet ended up empathizing with by the end. It’s this emotional depth that makes And the River Drags Her Down so impactful.
In the realm of young adult horror, this debut doesn’t just skim the surface; it submerses you in the murky waters of loss, love, and the paths we take in search of healing. I can only imagine what Jihyun Yun will create next, as my heart and attention are wholly hers now.
This book is perfect for those who revel in atmospheric tales that dig deep into human emotions, fans of folklore, and anyone eager to experience a story that lingers long after the last chapter. For me, it was not just a reading experience—it was a journey through grief and understanding that left me blinking back tears. If you haven’t dived into this yet, I urge you to take the plunge. You won’t regret it.
A heartfelt thank you to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this extraordinary e-ARC! And the River Drags Her Down is out now, and it’s waiting for you. 🖤
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