Earth Creatures, Surrender

Korean Novel [ Earth Creatures, Surrender ]

■ Release Date : 2024-01-29
■ Page & Size : 268p | 5.3 x 7.9 in

■ Author(s) : Jung Bora
■ Publisher : Rabbit Hole

■ Details

Korean Title : 지구 생물체는 항복하라
English Title : Earth Creatures, Surrender

This book is written in Korean.

■ Details

"저주토끼" is a semi-autobiographical SF series by novelist Jeongora, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2022 and became the first Korean author's work to be nominated for the American Book Award in 2023. It's difficult to imagine a traditional autobiography like "그 많던 싱아는 누가 다 먹었을까" coexisting with SF, but this novel seamlessly blends autobiography and science fiction.

The story revolves around '나' (the protagonist), a university lecturer who finds himself apprehended by men in black suits after the chairman, who has been residing in a protest tent for six months, cooks and eats an octopus that appeared in the tent. The octopus repeats the phrase: "지구- 생물체는- 항복하라" ("Earth Creatures, Surrender"), which sets the tone for the intersection of Jeongora's life in Pohang and Jukdo Market with elements of SF.

As '나' encounters a Russian crab pleading help in Jukdo Market and confronts the 'black masses' protesting against the discharge of nuclear power plant wastewater near Guryongpo Beach, the narrative expands from stories of people living near the sea to stories about marine life, the Earth, and the world. The novel prompts readers to consider the potential devastation of marine life by issues such as the war in Ukraine, the discharge of nuclear contaminated water, and nuclear experiments.

Despite the serious themes, the novel is incredibly entertaining. Like real-life people, the characters engage in serious battles while saying nonsensical things and even vomiting from nausea but continue fighting. Their ability to laugh in the face of adversity and prepare for battle when angered is endearing. The dialogue, like that of the Russian crab Evgeny who gratefully says, "Thank you for not boiling me", adds to the charm of the characters and the world created by Jung Bora. This whimsical yet poignant portrayal of the world makes readers want to love this world, just like Jung Bora does.

■ Table of Contents

문어 | 대게 | 상어 | 개복치 | 해파리 | 고래
(Octopus | King Crab | Shark | Ocean Sunfish | Jellyfish | Whale)

작가의 말
(Author's Note)