What an absolutely gorgeous book. Han Kang is an absolutely phenomenal writer. Every sentence is completely stunning, so carefully chosen and doused in incredible imagery. Not for no purpose either - the way she captures the collision of these two characters, weaves through their lives and experiences and philosophies to finally bring them together is absolutely stunning. I'm not sure any other author writes so beautifully yet emotively, not for solely stylistic purpose but to reveal the beauty and melancholy of the human soul.

The moment when the river water scintillated in the July sunlight like the scales of a huge fish, when you suddenly placed your hand on my arm, when I trembled to touch the dark blue veins running raised over the back of your hand, when, gripped by fear, I finally brought my lips to yours - has that moment now disappeared inside you?

When I walk into complete darkness, is it alright if I remember you without this unrelenting ache?