Imna

Among the books I’ve read recently, there were many fine pieces of writing. In particular, ‘Sapiens’ and ‘Homo Deus’ lay out grand narratives with cold clarity and make their arguments so forcefully that, while reading them, it’s all too easy to lose yourself completely. They’re good. I love writing this bold. But if I’m being honest, the stories I love most are the stories of foolish people. You can set aside all the cold calculation. Even if that foolishness leads to their ruin. ‘Imna’ is one such story. When I reached the passage where, after the final victory, everyone laughs and shouts together yet comes to realize that they had all been afraid the whole day long, it felt, for a moment, almost like my own story. Probably because I, too, am one of those foolish people.

Gwak Jae-sik. 2011. Imna. http://gerecter.egloos.com/5000002