A Journey Through Time and Identity: A Review of Flux by Jinwoo Kim
When I first picked up Flux by Jinwoo Kim, I found myself drawn in by its intriguing premise and the promise of exploring complex themes of identity, loss, and time. As someone who often wrestles with understanding my own experiences against the backdrop of larger narratives, it felt like a perfect match. What I encountered was a whirlwind of interconnected stories that kept my attention but left me in a thoughtful haze—both puzzled and engaged throughout.
Flux intertwines the lives of three distinct yet interconnected characters: Bo at age 8, grappling with the death of his mother; Brandon at 28, whose life takes a turn when he finds work at a mysterious tech company; and Blue at 48, participating in a documentary about the unethical practices of that very company. The narrative flits across these three timelines, and while the core connection among them is satisfyingly obvious, the book’s exploration of their intertwined fates is where the true richness lies—or, in some moments, its frustration.
The author’s writing style is both playful and deeply introspective, capturing the nuances of each character’s journey. I found myself immersed in Brandon’s voice, especially during the interludes where he addresses the fictional character from an ’80s detective show, Raider. These sections sparkled for me—they offered a heartfelt exploration of Brandon’s identity and provided weight to his motivations. The concept of addressing a beloved character rather than an actor added a layer of emotional depth. It was as if Brandon was seeking guidance from a figure that represented his own complexities as a biracial Asian man.
However, as engaging as the narrative was, I often felt like I was running through a maze with no clear exit. The novel’s ambitious attempt to layer three timelines, alongside unexpected twisty elements—like "time travel milk"—left me occasionally disoriented. I wanted to connect all the dots, to understand the specifics of what transpired at Flux. While I appreciate the author’s efforts to experiment with narrative structure and keep readers on their toes, it sometimes felt less like an innovative approach and more like a puzzle missing a few pieces.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book lies in its deeper themes: the exploration of identity through the lens of time, the impact of trauma, and the lingering questions of what shapes us. As much as I admired these themes, I couldn’t help but wish for a clearer resolution. The ambiguity surrounding Brandon’s reality and his struggles at the tech company left me wanting more clarity, a little more guidance on how to piece together his fragmented life.
Yet, despite its unsatisfying moments, I found Flux to be a brave experiment. Jinwoo Kim challenges readers to ponder weighty questions about identity and our inherent connections. While I may not have fully grasped all that I was meant to glean from it, I was always captivated, and that’s no small feat for a three-star book.
Ultimately, I would recommend Flux to those who relish literary puzzles and existential explorations. If you’ve ever contemplated the layers of your own identity and the paths that shaped you, you might find yourself nodding along with the characters’ journeys. For me, this experience was both refreshing and perplexing, and it has certainly piqued my interest in what Jinwoo Kim may conjure up next.