[KLN] The Descendants of Cain by Hwang Sun-Won
[KLN] The Descendants of Cain by Hwang Sun-Won
[KLN] The Descendants of Cain by Hwang Sun-Won 28 March 19.00-21.00
The Korean Literature Night (KLN) is a monthly discussion group that explores various themes and topics relating to that month’s chosen book. We will read The Descendants of Cain by Hwang Sun-Won
Event Date: 28 March, 19.00-21.00
Venue: Korean Cultural Centre UK
Entrance Free - Booking Essential
Apply to info@kccuk.org.uk or call 020 7004 2600 with your name and contact details by Friday 9th March
The booking system utilises a lottery based programme that picks names at random, once the final selection has been drawn we will send you an e-mail regarding the result of the selection.
Available Seats: 15
You can pick up a copy of the book from the KCCUK, once you have received your confirmation e-mail.
About the Book- The Descendants of Cain
The Descendants of Cain is based on author’s own experiences in his North Korean home village between the end of World War II and the eve of the Korean War when Korea had been divided into North and South by its two "liberators" - the United States and the Soviet Union. In this story the Soviet-backed communist party, using the promise of land reform, sets people at each other's throat. Portrayed here is an entire community caught in the political and social firestorm that brings out the selfishness, cruelty and ignorance of simple people, but also shows their loyalty and nobility.
About the Author- Hwang Sun-Won
Hwang Sun-Won (1915-2000) is one of the great Korean authors of the twentieth century. Hwang started writing in 1931, publishing his first poem, “My Dream,” at the age of sixteen. In his early period as a writer, Hwang usually depicted folk customs in his works. He devoted himself to the sensuous description of human interiority, and showed great affection for sentiments native to Korea and the people’s traditional spirit.
After 1950, Hwang sought to portray the ideal of mother love through a variety of female characters. In stories such as “Cranes” (1953) and “Rain Shower” (1953), his short fiction reached full maturity. Meanwhile, in great novels such as Living with the Stars (1950), The Descendants of Cain (1954), Trees on a Slope (1960), Sunlight, Moonlight (1962), and The Moving Fortress (1973), he explored in great depth the question of eternity and the problem of existential solitude and alienation.
