I'm unsure how I feel about this one. There were some really enjoyable aspects, such as the whimsical, cosy vibes. But I also found other aspects confusing, such as the age of the main character which really took me out of the story.
I do really love the idea of the magical rainfall market but I don't think that this story was for me overall. It may be suited better to a different audience.

I enjoyed the world building of the Rainfall Market. It very much had the vibe of a studio Ghibli movie. I really enjoyed this journey that Serin was on to appreciate her live and what she can make of it, rather than wish it away..

Incredibly interesting world that made me feel like I was in a Studio Ghibli film. While I liked our main character and the setting (I loved the monkey characters) but I couldn't connect to the writing style at all.

“The Rainfall Market” is a captivating Journey into a Surreal World by You Yeong-Gwang.

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Suspense: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

What you’ll find in this book:
⭐️ Amazing world built
⭐️ Quick read
⭐️ Unique magic system
⭐️ Reality mixed with fantasy

My Review:

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang is an absolute gem of a read. I couldn’t put it down! The novel is a beautifully crafted blend of quick pacing, engaging prose, and imaginative world-building that completely swept me away. It's one of those rare books that feels like a delightful whirlwind — you’re in it, and then suddenly you’re done, but you don’t want it to end.
What I loved most about The Rainfall Market is the way it taps into a sense of wonder reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The narrative takes you through a dreamlike, almost absurdist world, full of strange characters and bizarre happenings, but there’s always a deeper meaning behind the madness. You Yeong-Gwang does a remarkable job creating a world that feels both familiar and utterly foreign at the same time, drawing you into its logic and its mysteries with an almost hypnotic charm.
The story is concise, yet rich with atmosphere, and the pacing is perfect for readers who enjoy a fast-paced journey that doesn’t skimp on depth. It's a book that makes you think while still keeping you fully immersed in its weird, whimsical vibes. Every scene feels intentional, each description vivid yet minimalist enough to leave you with just the right amount of intrigue.
If you’re looking for a book that’s quick to read but leaves a lasting impression, The Rainfall Market is an incredible pick. It’s one of those rare stories that transports you into a world you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy. All opinions are mine and sincere.

#TheRainfallMarket #NetGalley #PenguinRandomHouseUK

Thank you NetGalley UK & Penguin Random House for this E-Arc.

"On the first day of the monsoon an old ramshackle building appears.
This is The Rainfall Market.
Inside you will find magical bookstores, hairdressers, perfumeries and anything your heart desires."

I really enjoyed this cozy fantasy, it's definitely got Studio Ghibli vibes. It's beautifully written and descriptive enough to let it play out in your head like a hazy dream as you read. I actually really liked the simplicity of the plot and the world building, I don't think it's the kind of book that needs really heavy writing. I found it the perfect bed time read, slow paced and dreamy. The characters were interesting, the MC Serin, although simple is likeable. The real show stealer is Issha, our magical guide cat. I grew an attachment to him almost immediately and just wanted to pull him out of the book and have him as a pet.

Overall, it's a simple, but magically dreamy story about love, family & appreciating what you have.

"With a gasp, she realized that the dark blanket of clouds had cleared, ending an interminable downpour. And as though answering a promise, a rainbow hung across the sky. Serin remembered a marketplace, and the friends she’d made there. A smile rose to her face, but she didn’t know if it was because of the boy, or the memories that came flooding back. A beam of sunlight filtered through the window and perched on her shoulder.

“아….”
세린의 입에서 짧은 탄성이 터져 나왔다.
아침부터 무섭게 쏟아져 내리며 그칠 것 같지 않던 비가 멈추고, 어느새 시커먼 먹구름이 걷혀 있었던 것이다.
그리고 하늘에는 약속이라도 한 듯 어김없이 무지개가 떠 있었다.
세린은 문득 어느 상점과 친구들을 떠올렸다. 그러자 남학생과의 약속 때문인지, 아니면 좋은 기억이 떠올라서인지 입가에 살며시 미소가 지어졌다.
창문 너머로 들어온 햇빛 한 줄기가 그녀의 어깨에 따스하게 내려앉았다."

The Rainfall Market is Slin Jung's translation of 비가 오면 열리는 상점 (literally 'shops that open when it rains') by 유영광 (You Yeong-Gwang).

Upfront I need to call out one key thing. This book, in the UK at least, appears to be marketed as adult fiction. In my view, it isn't. I'd suggest it's a good read for say 7-9 year olds, or perhaps a little young and read to them - readers who are moving on from series like The Secret Kingdom, reading the early Harry Potter books.

The set-up begins with rumours of a magical place that can change misfortunate lives:

"Somewhere far outside the big city was a place called Rainbow Town.
And somewhere in Rainbow Town was a run-down, abandoned house.
Rumour had it if you sent a letter about your misfortune to this house, you would receive a mysterious ticket. If you brought it to the house on the first day of the rainy season, you could completely change your life.
'No way.'
That's absolutely ridiculous.'
Everyone treated it as a fantasy at first. But somehow, the story spread like wildfire. And each time it was told, it became more and more elaborate.
But though the details were different, they all had one thing in common. The Dokkaebi.
‘I swear, I saw them with my own eyes!'
The people who claimed to have visited the house insisted that behind its doors was a secret, magical world where lived beings who called themselves Dokkaebi: people who looked human, but weren't."

The story is told from the perspective of a girl Serin. Living with her mother, who works all hours to make ends meet, in a small semi-basement flat in a poor area; her father died in an accident when she was young; her older sister has run away from home; and largely friendless at school - Serin writes a letter and, months later receives a ticket.

Arriving at the gates of the market she meets some of the others seeking a change in their life (shades of Willie Wonka, but without the cruel humour). The set-up of the market enables those coming to place their life and troubles into an Orb and then go around the Market to purchase a different Orb, and fate, with the gold coins they are given. But Serin discovers she is a VIP guest, the only one with a rare Golden Ticket, which enables her, uniquely, to have a sneak preview of the reality of each seemingly attractive alternative life:

‘The holder of a Golden Ticket is entitled to possess multiple Dokkaebi Orbs, and is even allowed to peer into each Orb to closely examine the life it offers. A sort of second-hand experience, if you will. And unlike our other customers, who must seek out these Orbs on their own, VIPs need only ask for the Orb they desire, and they will be borne away to the shops of their choice by one of our complimentary spirit creatures.’

Large parts of the novel are episodic - one can imagine bedtime reading of a chapter/adventure a night - as Serin, accompanied by a magical size-shifting dog-like cat, roam around the market, coming across the different Dokkaebi and trying out different lives - the book trying hard for Studio Ghibli vibes.

Inevitably each alternative life turns out to have its own catches, not least as they've presumably been deposited here by others coming to the market. A safe reasonably-earning 9-5 job turns out to be dull; but running your own business e.g. a restaurant is great, but long hours and only profitable until a more popular one opens up next door; and being a influencer and travel blogger is a lonely life in reality. There's some neat life lessons here for readers (although this is perhaps where one wonders if the 7-9 year olds are a little too young) as to the reality of adult life, for example when Serin wishes for to be married with kids, she briefly experiences the realities of family life in the modern economy:

Her eyes were instantly drawn to a framed wedding photo. A man and a woman, beaming at the camera. Just looking at the happy young strangers put a smile on Serin’s face too. The bride outshone the gorgeous flowers in the backdrop, and the man looked as though he was on top of the world.

But she soon recoiled. From inside the bedroom, someone swore. When Serin peered inside, she found the man and the woman from the photo embroiled in a heated argument. They were both red-faced, and looked ready to throw punches. The row went on with neither side willing to give in.

Though she had been made up to perfection in the photo, the woman in real life wore no makeup at all. She shrieked, ‘Are you mad? Look at this credit card bill! We can’t afford to spend like this!’

It feels it's setting itself up for a neat ending, but there's also a thief lurking in the background and the last quarter of the novel shifts gear into more of an adventure Serin is caught up in a power struggle amongst the Dokkaebi (although with inevitably still the predictable ending).

The book doesn't feel particularly Korean, although it was pleasing to see the denizens of The Rainfall Market labelled as Dokkaebi (도깨비) rather than say goblins (the original international version indeed seems to have been titled 'The Rainbow Goblin Store'), and taekwondo (태권도) plays a key role at one point. But given how popular K-culture is, I was disappointed to see something looking like white garae-ddeok (하얀색 가래떡) being Americanised to being like marshmallows, particularly given the distinctively different shape (and indeed texture).

"The Rainfall Market’s main building looked like a large stack of marshmallows arranged like a tower. It was so much taller and more majestic than the rest of the buildings, that Serin supposed if she stood at the very top, everything on the ground would look like matchboxes.

상점은 하얀색 가래떡을 길게 세워둔 모습을 하고 있었다. 근처 건물들에 비해 유난히 높고 웅장해서, 옥상에 올라서면 주변의 다른 집들은 성냥갑처럼 보일 것 같았다. 출입구로 보이는 곳에는 토리야가 고개를 숙이지 않아도 충분히 들어갈 만한 커다란 문이 있었다."

This would be 1-2 stars for personal experience - my teenage children are a decade too old for this, let alone me - but 4 stars for what it does (if not how it's marketed) - 3 overall.

It's taken me weeks to read this book, I just couldn't get into it as it's not my usual genre.

I'd say the book is a bit sci-fi fantasy and would suit young adult readers. The story was nice and it had a nice moral, I think younger girls/ women would enjoy reading a book such as this one.

I wish the book every success and thank you to NetGalley UK and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is a very sweet and charming book with a clear message behind it. I read it quickly as it was well written, kept you interested and had likeable characters (apart from that one). I enjoyed the story and the journey, it was easy to imagine and now I’d like a cat who can transform that easily.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

What a delightful book this was! This will definitely get compared many times to Spirited Away and it’s merited.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This was a charming novel about a girl who gets a golden ticket (very Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) to the Rainfall Market. Here she goes on a magical journey to find a Dokkaebi orb. This takes her on a journey of self-discovery through this fantastical world while accompanied by a charming cat like creature.

This world is whimsical and delightful and yet there are layers of menace. Although most of the individuals she meets are kind, and she is able to help and make meaningful trades with them. She does encounter some more sinister characters and there is a looming deadline.

I found this really charming. There was a beautiful journey of finding out what’s truly important to a person and learning who you are. It was really fast paced and exciting.

As much as I enjoyed this easy going read, I was left a little unsure about the target audience. I loved the concept of the market and the characters we met along the way were so different and interesting. I thought the way things came together at the end was really cleverly thought out but also a little predictable and untimely a little rushed, but that might be down to the translation as it may have come across better in its original language. Overall I did enjoy this book and think it would be one I could potentially recommend to my students as a dip into a magical fantasy setting and it does make you rethink choices in life and reminded me to be thankful for what I do have. ✨ Thank you to You Yeong-Gwang, Michael Joseph Publishers and NetGalley for access to the eARC ✨

What would you do if you could take all our hardships away and choose a new life? Would you take that chance?
In this modern day fable, wizard of oz-esq, is the grass greener?
Nice story, although somewhat predictable.

Thank you so much Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the arc of The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang. If you had a chance to trade in your life for a whole new life, would you? What would you trade for? The Rainfall Market is an infamous, myth and legend, that only a few have ever been able to visit. Made famous by a best-selling book written by an author who has actually visited the market and traded in his life for a new one.

Serin, is a young girl who lives alone with her mother in a rundown part of town that developers are looking to exploit. Her father has died, and they are alone in their struggles, as Serin feels isolated in her efforts to get through school, perform well in Tae Kwando and that ultimately, has had enough of her current life. Serin applies and to her absolute shock receives a ‘golden’ ticket to The Rainfall Market and ultimately a chance to swap her life for something ‘better’.

There was definitely a sense of Ghibli and Cosy Fantasy to the writing and the world of The Rainfall Market – I absolutely adored it as a world from the descriptions of the Welcome Hall to the Information Desk, and the multiple shops and businesses. The residing population of the market, the Dokkaebi people were totally intriguing and each well developed with unique personalities, from the shopkeepers to Serin’s magical companion Issha, the magical cat. Issha was just adorable, from their behaviours – most definitely a touch of puppy in their personality, to the development of the relationship between Serin and Issha, and of course Issha’s magical abilities!

The Rainfall Market takes you on a journey of exploration, discovery, friendship and of course a time bound need to make a decision about the future. Will Serin choose to swap her life? I’m not going to give you that answer but, if you are looking for a cosy, magical tale that will transport you to a market where anything is possible, definitely pick up The Rainfall Market.

A very charming fantasy book where I was transported to the rainfall market and was pleased to accompany Serin on her adventure. Serin is a wonderfully kind young woman who seeks the perfect live in exchange for her harsh lonely one. The magic of the rainfall market is vividly described as she meets lots of interesting and unusual characters on her travels. A little like Dorothy as she travels through Oz, Serin, helps those she meets and learns more about herself as she does. Serin is accompanied by the magical cat Isha, who it is hard not to fall in love with. As Serin discards the lives on offer she begins to realise that all is not as it seems in the market. I really enjoyed this escape to another world and was rooting for Serin from the outset, a very charming hopeful read.

Title: The Rainfall Market
Author: You Yeong-Gwang
Pages: 225
Rating: 4/5

Publish date - 28th November 2024

If you could trade your life for a different one, would you?

A warm uplifting story about love, family, appreciation. With magic, cats, bookshops and everything in-between.

This was a quick, simple, feel good read. Predictable but enjoyable and a reminder to not assume that the grass is always greener on the other side.

This was like a studio Ghibli film in a book with how comforting the read was and the whimsical characters and world building.

I loved the cat. It was just endearing and fuzzy. A lovely young adult fantasy read - and look at that cover!!!

You'll love this book if you like
- young adult fantasy
- south Korean reads
- books about cats
- feel good low stake read

An absolutely charming adventure into a fantastical world where invited humans can swap their lives for something better....or so they hope. Serin is poor and feels alone and hopeless, so this is her opportunity to get everything she ever wished for. Along with Isha the cat, they explore the world and what it has to offer. She discovers that everything is not as simple as what she imagines and finds new friends on her journey. She has to make a choice though, before time runs out. Beautifully told, with creativity, heart and imagination. You will want to adopt a cat after reading this!

This was such a sweet and enjoyable read. It honestly gave me studio Ghibli vibes and I absolutely love all the studio Ghibli movies so this was just incredible. I definitely think if people liked the midnight library they would love this! Such an enjoyable and quirky read with some soft cosy fantasy mixed in you'll get drawn into the story and enjoying your time.

The Rainfall Market is quirky, whimsy and atmospheric. I felt it was very much a YA about what makes a life good and I generally enjoyed the exploration. Although slightly superficial I did like the importance placed on gratitude and how impacting loneliness can be. The fantasy elements are fun and take you on a studio ghibli type adventure. Also a good read for those who like animal companions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

This book has the cutest cover and an enticing story. There is an abandoned, run-down house in a place called Rainbow Town where you can potentially change your life. I was expecting it to be the kind of Korean fiction I have read in the past: a warm story, which teaches us about life in a subtle way.

The story goes like this: Kim Serin, being raised by her mother alone, lives a life of extreme poverty and has no friends at school. Their life is so tough that even her little sister ran away and Serin dreams of a happier alternative universe she could escape to. She reads about a place called the Rainfall Market where such wishes can come true, if only you receive an invitation! And by some miracle, her wishes are answered and she receives a golden ticket.

Once she arrives at the Rainfall Market, she enters a magical world with creatures and orbs, which show you alternative lives you may wish for, cats, which can change size and just maybe, if loved enough, be reincarnated in the real world. As well as the promise of a new, happier life, dangers also lurk in this place and Serin, as well as making friends, also finds herself having to defend herself and her new friends. Who will win and will Serin get the life she wishes for?

This is a short book you will get through quickly and if you like fantasy then I think this really would be a lovely read and I would recommend it. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be but only because it was too far into the realms of fantasy for my liking. I do like magic in books but maybe just not on this level. Still I am happy I’ve read it and I genuinely would recommend it if you like fantasy. 3 star rating reflects my feelings but if I was a fiction fan I’d have given it 4.

☔️ The Rainfall Market | You Yeong-Gwan ☔️
★★★★.25

Read if you enjoy:
☔️ Cosy translated fiction
☔️ Interesting world building
☔️ Rosetti’s The Goblin Market
☔️ Sweet main characters
☔️ Magical cat companions

Serin leads a lonely and miserable life. So, when she receives a ticket to the mysterious Rainfall Market to swap her life for a new one, she jumps at the chance.

Serin finds herself in a time constraint to find the new perfect life for herself and as she explores her options, she also meets an eccentric bunch of characters along the way.

I adored this. It was original, enjoyable, sweet, cosy, had an undercurrent of intrigue, and a climactic ending. I will admit I cried like a big fat baby at the end 😂. Despite being allergic to cats, I LOVE cat companions in stories, and Issha is one of the best.

Worth the read and worth saving for a bit of warmth on a rainy day. 🌧️

A young girl called Serin has a dream of having a better life after suffering loss, poverty and discouraging comments regarding her activities that are not generally deemed as 'feminine'. This leads her to follow a rumour about a special place that can provide you with your dream life. After being invited to the Rainfall Market, Serin finds herself on an adventure where she meets incredibly eccentric characters, and is joined by a special little cat called Issha. The characters are fascinating humanoid-creatures, with accentuated features and fun personalities, which are the opposite to the tragic backgrounds of Serin and Issha - though I would have liked more character development. The world building is enchanting - a visual of beauty and dilapidation, with a variety of imposing weather and fantastical buildings, fauna and flora. The writing style is easy and fast paced, and I honestly didn't see the climax coming, though some of the smaller story arcs were predictable, nonetheless enjoyable. The plot was gripping due to a time limit imposed on our protagonist, creating an anxiety as you proceed along the journey with Serin and Issa, especially as it escalates, encouraging you turn another page, and then another, and then another. The relationship between Serin and the colourful characters she meets along the way was done nicely, earning these strangers trust and friendship, especially between Serin and Issha the cat. There was maybe a little hint of a sequel? I would certainly add that to my collection. 

"He can't be reborn until he's received enough love from a human, which he unfortunately seems to have a hard time absorbing because he was so cruelly abandoned in his past life."

Overall Thoughts

Although this is a young adult fantasy, I would also place this proudly in my 'cosy reads' pile for adults. It is a page turner, and becomes thought provoking for young adults but also for those of us who are perhaps in our late 30's onwards, contemplating life decisions and past dreams. It is perfect for that rainy afternoon, cuddled under a blanket with a hot drink, consuming the book in a single sitting. 

I am so grateful to have received the opportunity to read this wonderful advanced copy from Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House (via NetGalley). 

FAVOURITE LINES

"Some things are infinitely more precious than wealth ... I would spend more time with my loved ones."

"She thought she was hopeless. But at some point, she began to feel that she couldn't keep running away. That she had to dig in her heels."

"The truth is, it's never too late to start on your dreams. The present is the best time to launch yourself forward."

BOOK DETAILS

Released: 28 November 2024
Publisher: Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House
Pages: 203
Rating: (4.25 stars)
Genres: Young Adult/Fantasy