Fans of Korean culture, k-historical dramas will love this book, in the centre you have a family, in witch someone is telling a tale for a child or because is bedtime or because it relates to what the adults are teaching, or even relate personally to events that happen to this family.

It is a really nice and great dive into Korean culture, we even have stories of ghost that curse families and people, the way Asians see the world is completely different how me as a Portuguese see the world and I think it is completely worth of our time to read this stories and dive into this universe where the paranormal and normal life dwell hand to hand. I really recommend this book to every fan of Asian culture.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, Citadel, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

I loved this collection. The primary reason why I chose to read this book is because I’m fascinated with Korean culture and folklore. That’s why this book was the perfect match for me. I learned so much from Coin for a Dream. Many tales explain the zodiac, the good and bad omens, and the animals and their symbolism.
If any historical or religious facts are mentioned, the author always offers context and explanations, but in a way that doesn’t dull the stories. None of the information was overbearing toward where it would affect the reading.

What I loved about this collection was the voice. The author listened to these stories in her childhood, so the language is simple and toned so a child can understand them. She maintained that childlike level of narrating to make the stories and the atmosphere more authentic. Toward the end, we see glimpses of the author later in life and finally, as an adult reflecting on her past life. Having introduced us to this life of folklore and stories as a child and then closing that chapter in the present day, after a pause between the two periods, it brings Coin for a Dream full circle. We can really see how her childhood shaped her when we hear her adult voice.

A collection of Korean folklore as told by a grandmother to her granddaughter. Myths, legends, and folk tales. Good book.

Coin for a Dream: And Other Korean Tales is a lovely collection of Korean folktales. Many I already knew (from Korean bilingual books for language learners), but it was nice to see them freshly presented here and I enjoyed how the narrative led us from one to the next. Worth a look for anyone interested in Korean folklore and culture, this book is delightful, easy reading. It gets 4.5 stars from me.

This book has such a delightful, heartwarming and poignant collection of Korean tales. The traditional tales have their own magic and innumerable emotions. I really enjoyed them. A girl was abandoned by her mother because she didn’t want another daughter. She was left in the care of grandparents and grew up listening to their enchanting tales infused with fantasy, mythology, rituals, morals, religion and social status in society.

Dig deep into the Korean culture, history of ancient times, rituals and traditions. Have you heard tales of goblin, monsters, Shaman, Buddhist, fortune teller and the wrath of god of ancestors? I am sure you haven’t heard such a delightful tales before. I loved each of them. But I just can’t forget these tales; about marriage, avoiding evil fate, Goblin, Confucian tradition, Shaman, Ginko tree and Coin for a dream. I absolutely adored them. It’s poignant and lyrical. I adored the author’s writing. The tales will take you back to your childhood. Also very well presentation of Korean culture, history, traditions and struggles they have to face due to invasion.

Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher.