Lead Review (Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat)

• Book: Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat
• Location: Seoul, Yeonnam-dong
• Author: Kim Jiyun, Shanna Tan (Translator)

Review Author: tripfiction

Yeonnam-Dong’s Smiley Laundromat is a debut novel for Korean writer Kim Jiyun and translated by Shanna Tan. It is an endearing story that delves into the quiet yet profound lives of ordinary individuals in Seoul’s Yeonnam-dong neighbourhood. As the 24-hour self-service laundromat becomes a sanctuary for locals facing various personal challenges, a forgotten olive-green diary left on a table serves as a catalyst, which encourages customers to share their innermost thoughts and receive comfort from anonymous entries.

BUY NOW

Essentially five stories interwoven into one, the narrative introduces a diverse cast, including Old Jang, a retired pharmacist living alone with his Jindo dog; Mira, a mother grappling with postnatal depression and the quest for employment; and Daeju, Old Jang’s son, a plastic surgeon struggling with familial and financial pressures. Each character’s personal struggles intertwine through the shared diary, highlighting themes of loneliness, community, resilience and the profound impact of community support.

Jiyun’s storytelling style is almost childish in nature but both poignant and uplifting at the same time, offering a moving reflection on the power of empathy and community. The laundromat, with its warm yellow lights and inviting atmosphere, serves as a microcosm where individuals cleanse not only their clothes but also their emotional burdens. The shared diary becomes a vessel for anonymous connection, demonstrating that even in an increasingly digital world, simple acts of kindness and understanding can forge meaningful bonds.

One of Kim Jiyun’s strengths lies in her ability to create multi-dimensional characters. The lyrical yet straightforward prose allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the world she has created. Her attention to detail brings Yeonnam-dong to life, painting vivid pictures of the bustling streets and the tranquil moments within the laundromat. Her ability to blend humour with poignant reflections makes the novel a joy to read and the heartening ending was enough to ensure it was a bestseller in Korea.

Back to book