달까지 가자

Slice of Life x Crypto Investment

Just how important is money after all? In a world where inflation and uncertainty are growing, the question of money’s importance is becoming unavoidable. It also happens to be one the central questions posed by 장류진 in her page novel, 달까지 가자.

The story centers around 다해, the 29-year-old female narrator, and her two colleagues, 은성 and 지송. Frustrated with their work lives and economic circumstances, they begin investing in cryptocurrency in an attempt to better their financial situations. As you follow the characters on their crypto journey, the novel delves into the subtle yet profound psychological aspects of financial security, particularly concerning young adults like 다해, 은성 and 지송 from Korea's MZ generation, and uncovers how financial stability, or lack thereof, impact everyday situations—such as taking a shower in a cramped apartment bathroom, cleaning a stain on a coat, or navigating the streets while struggling with a piece of carry-on luggage with cheap wheels.

This novel is on the longer side for literary fiction and as a result the narrative has a lot of room to breathe. The story doesn’t necessarily build up to any exciting climax, but 장류진 gives great care to her descriptions of both the characters and the environment. You're made to feel the character’s uncertainty, shame, and excitement as the reader and are invited to share in their intimate moments of sorrow and happiness. If you're seeking a gripping page-turner for immersive reading, this might not be the right choice for you. However, I'd recommend it to those interested in gaining insights into the challenges faced by young adults in Korea. It offers a slice-of-life perspective on office dynamics, friendship, and the world of cryptocurrency investing.

In terms of language complexity, there aren’t many advanced grammar structures, making it an approachable read. However, the book does incorporate a substantial amount of TOPIK 5/6 level vocabulary. Therefore, I would classify it as a strong upper intermediate or even advanced level material.

My personal rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I noticed that many Korean reviewers didn't quite enjoy this book, which is understandable. The novel falls under literary fiction, but it's an out-there blend of finance discussions, cryptocurrency, and meme-y investment slang like "hold!" and "to the moon!" This mixture, along with the relaxed pacing, creates a distinct story that might not appeal to everyone. However, personally, I valued what the author tried to accomplish and found the treatment of the themes to be refreshingly original. While there are numerous books dealing with class, economic struggles, and challenges faced by young adults in the workplace, intertwining these themes with cryptocurrency offered a unique perspective that somehow really worked with me.