3 Signs You’ll Enjoy The Trunk By Kim Ryeo-ryeong

We’re back with another translated book! If you’re anything like us, then you’ve been trying to broaden your reading horizons. And we don’t know a better way than by reading a book originally written in another language.

Today, we’re reviewing Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s The Trunk, translated from Korean. And it’s the perfect time to get into this feminist thriller. The Trunk will soon be getting a Netflix adaptation featuring Seo Hyun-jin and Gong Yoo, and we’re so excited!

Alright, let’s get into our book review. Here are three signs you’ll love reading The Trunk by Kim Ryeo-ryeong!

Book Overview: The Trunk

Content Warnings: stalking, explicit sexual content, mention of domestic abuse and human trafficking, divorce (Read at your discretion!)

Summary: Meet Noh Inji: almost thirty years old, with five wedding rings and counting, she’s never once been in love.

When Inji first accepted a job at Wedding & Life, the popular matchmaking service that’s taken Korea by a storm, she never imagined her role would be with NM, their secret marriage division that rents out “husbands” and “wives” to their wealthiest clientele. Just like a real marriage, Inji’s assignments involve a wedding, some sex and a bit of housework, all tailored exactly to the client’s desires and length of time before they go their separate ways – no legal battles, no fights, no emotional baggage.

After several marriages, Inji has become an old hand. She certainly isn’t interested in finding real love, despite everyone trying to convince her otherwise (her brazen neighbor Granny, her flirtatious best friend Shi-jeong, and her failed blind date, Tae-seong, who won’t take no for an answer).

Then one of Inji’s old husbands, a mysterious high profile music producer, requests her back for another year. Over the course of their marriage, the secrets of Inji’s past begin to unravel – as well as the dark, sinister underbelly of NM’s management team, who will stop at nothing to preserve their reputation… and their clients…

You Love Girlboss Main Characters

If you love no-nonsense, girlboss main characters, The Trunk definitely fits the bill! Noh Inji is the type of independent woman who stays in her bag. And she works hard to fulfill her side of the marriage contract, no matter who her husband is. She’s honest and not afraid of upsetting anyone by her harsh words. Honestly, we want to be like her when we grow up. It’s so easy to root for Inji on her endeavors, whether that’s making it through a year of marriage or quitting her job.

You Like Women Supporting Women

Would The Trunk be a feminist read without women supporting women? No, it would not. Although Inji takes care of herself just fine, she’s also not afraid to accept help from others. Especially from her best friend Shi-jeong and the director at NM. These women stick together, no matter how much time they spend away from each other. Inji also supports Shi-jeong on all her new hobbies, like a true best friend. We weren’t expecting their friendship to take the turn it did, but you’ll have to read the book to find out!

You Enjoy Uncovering A Layered Plot

As with any thriller, nothing is quite as it seems in The Trunk. Inji deals with much more than contract marriages. We felt super nervous for Inji after her blind date turned into a dangerous stalking situation. Even after NM steps in to “take care” of the problem, Inji still feels uneasy. It turns out the director has some secrets of her own. And everything goes back to how much power and money one person can have. The people you know can truly change your fate, as long as you know the right ones.

The English translation of The Trunk by Kim Ryeo-ryeong comes out November 19th, and you can preorder a copy of it here!

What do you think of Kim Ryeo-ryeong’s The Trunk? Are you looking forward to the Netflix adaptation? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

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