THE RED PALACE by JUNE HUR
A REVIEW by ALEXA DUNCAN
I knew I wanted to read The Red Palace as soon as it was announced. June Hur has written two other books, The Silence of Bones and The Forest of Stolen Girls, each of them historical mysteries set in Joseon Era Korea. Korea, no matter the time period, is already a rare setting for a YA novel, but historical Korea is even rarer. Enter The Red Palace. Another historical mystery set in Joseon, this book follows eighteen-year-old Hyeon, a palace nurse, who teams up with young Inspector Eojin to solve the murders of four women at the Hyeminseo, Hyeon’s place of work and study. Thus unfolds a moody mystery reminiscent of the best Korean historical dramas.
That’s all I’ll say about the plot, as this is a mystery and I don’t want to give too much away. Just know that I loved this book and I might have found a new favorite for the year. The Red Palace shines in its setting. Reading the detail with which Hur crafts Joseon-era Kore
a was a delight, and I loved all the palace intrigue that went along with it. I could tell from reading this book that Hur genuinely loves researching for her novels and her effort has not gone unnoticed by this reader.
The characters themselves were also wonderful to read about. I love Hyeon, whose strength resides in her mind rather than her physicality. She’s very smart and determined and will do whatever it takes to solve these murders. Inspector Eojin is a great companion to her. He’s respectful and kind and I loved how the two of them were always on the same level. Eojin never condescended Hyeon because she was a girl, nor did he ever try to discredit her opinions on the case. Their romance is also quite sweet. It was one of my favorite parts of the novel. The mystery is also great. I’m constantly in awe at how mystery writers can craft such complex plots without confusing themselves or the reader.
With The Red Palace, June Hur has written an entertaining and cerebral mystery. Pick it up at the Oreana library today if you’re looking for something historical along with your mystery!
As a side note, The Red Palace features actual historical figures from Korean history like Lady Hyegyeong. I would highly recommend looking her up.