Behind Five Willows

Hur's latest historical work is an homage to Pride and Prejudice that feels devastatingly timely as it shines an unflinching light on the downsides of government-enforced censorship of stories and ideas. ... Despite the historically accurate restrictions on the characters' ability to so much as brush hands, their romance is utterly swoony and heartstopping. ... An engaging, thoughtful Austen interpretation.

Both an homage to Jane Austen and historical K-dramas, every page of Hur's novel stuns with its absorbing plot, exquisite attention to detail, and breathtaking romance. Behind Five Willows is an instant classic and a book that I will cherish for a very long time.

Heartwarmingly beautiful . . . A charming love story.

Warmly rendered characters navigate a unique and evocative setting, which echoes with sharp societal commentary as well as witty repartee that's reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice.