21 Comments

That took me for a wild ride! Also, I find it fascinating that Eric, you and I have mentioned blood in the snow in our very different stories.

Expand full comment
author

I was thinking more about how different our stories are, but you are right! It is rather surprising that I failed to notice three of us depicted blood on snow.

Expand full comment

Yes, the similarities are fascinating and—I mean this in the best possible way—absolutely hilarious. 😆

Expand full comment

When I say this is a dense piece, I don't mean it's hard to get through (except emotionally). It takes some careful attention, but it merits it. You've packed so much emotion and irony into such a small space.

(Blood on snow, blood on snow, blood on snow, blood in the water...nice catch by Hanna!)

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for the compliments. When writing this, I did try to convey the dense layers of emotions to its readers.

Expand full comment

Wow, the tragic irony is so beautifully woven into this piece.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks. That was my intention!

Expand full comment

Like Hanna said, a wild ride! And a setting I won't forget. Plains and mountains, industrial explosions and the desolation of the steppe, the pull of urban life juxtaposed with the call of the wild... Interesting that Chaeyeong's desire—to kill the wolf cubs—is predicated on an assumption that she and wolf are alike. She considers the alpha to be an equal, even as she hates it. Well done!

Expand full comment
author

Wow, I am pleasantly surprised at your keen reading into my story! This kind of reading would be what every writer wants for his or her works. Thanks.

Expand full comment
Apr 11Liked by Hyun Woo Kim

Just finished reading this and taking notes. You'll get more comments when I send you the scoring! This story has been officially received, and wow this story packed an emotional punch. This is a very complex tale and I can't wait to dig into this more. Really excited to see what you write for future challenges!

Expand full comment
author

I like your expression, "an emotional punch"! Good to know that watching clips from the Rocky series was worth it.

Expand full comment
Apr 11Liked by Hyun Woo Kim

😂😂😂 hilarious—but true!!

Expand full comment

Beautiful and complex and compelling. When I read it I thought of "Wolf Totem" (狼图腾) by Jiang Rong (though I never actually finished that, maybe I should go back and read it again!)

Expand full comment
author

Thanks! I think I should read it too. I have never been disappointed by contemporary Chinese novels so far, and sometimes I wonder whether Chinese writers are so good or only the great ones get translated.

Expand full comment

Wow, this took me on a different imaginary ride. The unspoken theme is beautiful and I can feel the interconnection between the characters. Good job Hyun Woo.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you. Your comment made my day!

Expand full comment

This was such an incredible glimpse into the Mongolian steppes and also into the psyche of an angry, grieving mother! I saw other comments mention this already, but the emotional density is so well done.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Bridget! I am happy you like it.

Expand full comment
Apr 12Liked by Hyun Woo Kim

I'm not going to lie, I kinda wanted Chaeyeong to snap at least one of the cubs necks. That's just my gut reaction as a father, I guess.

Expand full comment
author

And I like that it was your gut reaction. If a real parent doesn't want to snap a cub's neck, the character shouldn't be chasing after wolves either.

Expand full comment