BEASTS OF A LITTLE LAND

“He believed in inyeon - human thread - and that connections and encounters between people were preordained.”

In 1917, one snowy day in the woods, a Korean hunter saves his Japanese captors and himself from certain death as they are stalked by a fearsome tiger. So begins this ambitious tale that spans the first half of the 20th century, following the intersection of lives fated to cross paths for decades. At the story’s heart are Jade, who is sold to a courtesan as a young girl, and Nam, who lives in poverty pining for Jade, determined to become worthy of her affection.

Through Japan’s brutal occupation of Korea, Beasts of a Little Land offers an eye-opening look at patriotism: is a nation merely a construct, or is it the driving force behind everything? And in hundreds of years, will it matter? I found most interesting the story’s theme of honor, an ever-present goal and way of life for each character, transcending gender, age and standing. With wide ranging characters and multiple perspectives, this book explores the many ways wealth and ambition can lead to despair, and how love and friendship can offer redemption.

When cooking through a snowstorm, like I was this week, ingredients are kind of limited. Luckily these pajeon (Korean scallion pancakes) can be made with items you probably have in your pantry already: flour, sugar, salt, eggs, scallions and - surprise! - club soda. I also added some carrot for a dash of orange to match the cover! Love this recipe from @thewanderlustkitchen which includes a delicious dipping sauce. These pancakes are so good and even better after a quick shot of heat in the toaster the next day!