Review of And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun
There’s something incredibly captivating about a debut novel that expertly weaves together grief, folklore, and haunting atmospheres — and And the River Drags Her Down, the debut from Jihyun Yun, does just that. From the moment I heard about its blend of Korean mythology and poignant familial themes, I was intrigued. Little did I know it would leave me blinking away tears and utterly spellbound.
At its core, this YA horror transcends the genre’s typical scares; it expertly tackles the unseen protagonists of grief and yearning. Soojin Han, our protagonist, is wrestling with the loss of her mother and the recent drowning of her sister, Mirae. This profound loss warps Soojin into a thorny, unlikable character — a shield against vulnerability. But through her, we delve into an exploration of how grief distorts relationships, making us both relatable and profoundly human. I found myself resonating with her pain, even as her anger felt like a barricade against connection.
The narrative intricately flips between past and present, revealing Mirae’s backstory alongside Soojin’s struggles. This depth transforms the story into a tapestry of sisterhood, where the fierce love that burns within them is both a blessing and a curse. The poignant quote, “What does that make me, Mark? That I can love somebody and still wish them pain, just so I’m not alone with mine?” captures this visceral complexity. The author brilliantly crafts relationships that burrow beneath your skin — from the tender friendship with Mark Moon, who stole my heart with his patience, to the strained yet profound relationship with Soojin’s father. Their conversations, once fraught with tension, eventually became some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the novel.
Beyond the emotional narrative, Yun’s writing is simply stunning. It draws you deep into the eerie setting of a small town that feels alive with folklore; at times, it’s suffocating, reflecting Soojin’s encroaching grief. Although the initial shifting POV and time-hopping were jarring at first, they soon morphed into a seamless experience that held me captivated. The vivid imagery can be stomach-churning; some of those water body horror scenes are not for the faint of heart, yet they reflect the novel’s heart — the cycle of life and death.
As I turned the final page, I realized just how layered this debut is. It’s about the yearning for connection, the human struggle against isolation, and the desperate search for reconciliation with the past. The emotional weight of these themes lingered with me long after I closed the book.
And the River Drags Her Down is a compelling read for anyone who appreciates a mixture of fantasy, horror, and heartfelt storytelling. If you enjoy gripping tales that interact with grief through the lens of folklore and immerse you fully into the characters’ psyches, then this debut should move to the top of your reading list. I’m left both heartbroken and hopeful for more stories from Jihyun Yun — her voice is one I can’t wait to follow.
A heartfelt thank you to Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for allowing me to read this e-ARC. If this debut is any indication of Yun’s future works, we are in for something special. 🌊🖤
Discover more about And the River Drags Her Down on GoodReads >>