57 pages • 1 hour read
If I Had Your Face
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Book Brief
289
Novel • Fiction
Seoul, South Korea • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha follows four women in Seoul: Ara, a mute hair stylist obsessed with a K-Pop idol; Kyuri, a room salon girl facing professional and personal conflicts; Miho, an artist entangled in a fraught relationship; and Wonna, a married woman struggling with infertility and societal expectations. Themes include body dysmorphia, suicide, child abuse, sexual assault, violence, and miscarriage.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
56,977 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Frances Cha's If I Had Your Face offers a compelling look into the lives of young women in contemporary South Korea, praised for its vivid storytelling and complex characters. However, some find the multiple perspectives disjointed and the narrative occasionally uneven. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of beauty standards and societal pressures.
Who Should Read If I Had Your Face?
A reader who would enjoy If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha is typically interested in contemporary fiction that delves into issues of beauty, societal pressures, and female friendships in South Korea. Fans of Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, which explore intricate social dynamics, will likely find this book engaging.
56,977 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kyuri
Kyuri
A complex character known for her work at a “10 percent” room salon, where she entertains high-profile clients. Her life is interwoven with her physical appearance, leading to several cosmetic surgeries and intense beauty routines.
Miho
Miho
An artist who returns to Seoul after studying art in New York, navigating the challenges of reentering a world of social and financial hierarchy. She is both creative and introspective, using art to express her inner conflicts.
Wonna
Wonna
A young woman in a marriage of convenience, dealing with the complexities of pregnancy and societal expectations in South Korea. She faces significant job pressures alongside personal struggles during her fourth pregnancy.
Sujin
Sujin
Ara’s best friend and a pivotal character who supports the other women throughout their journeys. She actively influences their lives and goals, even as she undergoes her transformation to become a room salon girl.
289
Novel • Fiction
Seoul, South Korea • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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