Kim Ryeo-Ryeong
Hanover Square Press
19 November 2024 (2015)
304
eBook - PDF
Literary Fiction
ARC via NetGalley
Meet Noh Inji: thirty years old, five wedding rings so far, and she’s never once been in love.
When Inji takes a job at Wedding & Life, the popular matchmaking service, she never imagines her role will be with NM, their secretive marriage division that rents out ‘field spouses’ for a fixed period to their elite clientele. Just like a real marriage, Inji’s assignments involve a wedding, some sex and a spot of housework. It’s all tailored exactly to the client’s desires - no legal battles, no fights, no emotional baggage.
In no way is Inji interested in finding real love, because accidents happen when you mistakenly assume that you are somehow special. At NM, love is temporary, which is just how Inji likes it.
When one of Inji’s old husbands, a mysterious high-profile music producer, requests her back for another year of marriage, Inji’s own dark past will begin to unravel – as well as the sinister underbelly of the NM management, who will stop at nothing to preserve their reputation - and that of their wealthiest clients …
I keep seeing The Trunk being promoted as a feminist thriller; however, I think if you go in expecting a thriller, you will be disappointed. I am calling it 'literary fiction' in this review, and I think that is a better classification; although, it doesn't fit 100% neatly into that genre either. Despite the possible mislabelling, it was a truly enjoyable read. I found the plot idea fascinating and got behind In-ji's narration right from the start. It was fun to follow her through the course of the novel, and her situation raised several thought-provoking questions. It may not have been quite what I'd expected from the blurb, but I was caught up in the tale throughout. I already had the forthcoming Netflix show on my to-watch list, and now I am even more excited for it, to see how they handle the adaptation. The prose was descriptive enough to paint the scene but was still easy, quick reading, and the pacing was nicely managed from start to finish. I am giving this one 4.5 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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