Bibliographic Information:
Title: The Forest of Stolen Girls
Author: June Hur
ISBN: 978-1250229588
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Copyright Date: April 2021
Reading Level / Interest Level: Min/Max grade levels 6-12 (Novelist)
Genre / Format: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller / Book
Themes: Seeking Lost Parents, Sisterhood, Murder, Political Corruption, Family
Awards or Honors: None as of the publication of this post.
Plot Summary: Hwani and her sister nearly died one night -- all Hwani remembers is a mysterious figure wearing a white mask. Hwani’s father, Detective Min, could not solve the mystery of who nearly killed his daughters, which haunts him. Now years later, thirteen girls have gone missing since that night and people have stopped caring about finding them. Everyone except Detective Min. But when he decides to go back to Jeju to solve the case, he goes missing himself. Now Hwani must apply everything her father has taught her if she hopes to find him and avoid getting caught by the killer on the loose. Hwani goes undercover, blending in by dressing up as a boy as he travels back to Jeju, the island where she and her sister nearly died. The sisters don’t necessarily get along, but if they want to survive and find their father, they must work together to solve the case of the thirteen missing girls.
Author Background: June Hur was born in South Korea and was raised in Canada, studying History and Literature at the University of Toronto. She is the author of Silence of Bones and the soon to be released The Red Palace (Hur, n.d.).
Critical Evaluation for Books and Non-Print Items: This eery mystery draws the reader in with the small details. Not only does this story take place in a remote location (Jeju Island) but it also takes place in a completely different time: this mystery is set in early 1400 Joseon Dynasty Korea. The main character, Hwani, is an intelligent young woman who is determined to find her father, no matter what. The audience experiences the story through her eyes. Hwani loves her sister but struggles to rebuild trust between them after years of being apart. Hwani is a very cautious teenager, always studying those around her and attempting to deconstruct their motives. These analytical behaviors and her distrust are likely traits she learned from her detective father. Because of her distrust we as the readers get to try and solve the mystery as Hwani does, picking up clues as we continue the story. The more we read the more we realize that Hwani’s up against monsters that are all too real. Hwani also has a cold exterior, unable to communicate her love for her sister. We as the readers get to see her come to terms with her own lack of support for her sister.
The island of Jeju where most of the story takes place is a hauntingly beautiful location. There is a constant sense of unease and tension as the island is known as the home of convicts and outcasts. There is also a masked man prowling the forest and kidnapping young girls, making the villagers distrustful of outsiders, such as Hwani. The villagers are traumatized by the unsolved murders and kidnappings, crippling people with a sense of helplessness. The story has a bit of a slow build up but once the setting is established and the details start getting revealed, the story quickly picks up pace and doesn't slow down until the mystery is solved at the end. Overall the story is fast paced and there are multiple twists and turns keeping readers guessing and on their toes.
Creative Use for a Library Program: Exploration of Jeju Island Using Google Earth Teens will be taught how to use/navigate Google Earth to explore Jeju Island (the setting in this story). Participants will be shown how to use Google Earth tools to learn more about the island and its culture. An example of a prompt for participants: Can you pinpoint the key geographical locations in the novel? How many can you find?
Persimmons Snacks: Persimmons are brought up multiple times throughout the novel (Maewol is always stealing them from Hwani). Sliced persimmons will be provided as snacks for readers.
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Thirteen girls have gone missing and no one seems to be taking it seriously. Now Hwani’s father has also disappeared. Hwani must team up with her estranged sister to find their father before the killer gets to them in this murder mystery set in 1400 Korea.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: This novel tackles some heavy subject matters including child abuse, sexual violence against women, kidnapping, and suicide. Though difficult themes, these historical fiction narratives explore actual horrors that teenagers (women specifically) faced during those times. Some of these patriarchal oppressive forces are still present in our society and culture, making these stories relevant.
Reason for Inclusion: This features a strong female lead who uses her intelligence and love of her family to solve a mystery and save herself and her sister. The bond that forms between the two sisters is powerful and perseveres through the end of the story. Readers who are looking for a mystery/thriller without any romantic subplots will enjoy this story. Historical fictions are effective at immersing readers into a new, unfamiliar time in history and a different place in the world — it’s an educational ride! The story will hopefully inspire readers to do their own research on Korean history and culture.
Enhancements
Culture of Jeju Haenyeo
Jeju-do Island City Guide