Description
THE SHOP THAT OPENS WHEN IT RAINS
Book Summary
Serin, a deeply unhappy teenager, receives a mysterious invitation to a magical shop that only opens once a year. There, she is presented with a unique opportunity: to trade her life for another in order to achieve happiness. Accompanied by peculiar dokebi and a cat that can change size, Serin embarks on a fantasy journey with a time limit. She has only one week to find true happiness or vanish forever, all while a shadow follows her closely. An emotional magical realism novel that explores the value of one's own life and the search for true joy.
What is it about?
The story follows Serin, a lonely young girl who lives with her mother and considers herself the most miserable person in the world. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a red envelope containing an invitation to a shop located in the mysterious Rainbow City, an establishment that only opens its doors once a year. In this magical place, Serin discovers she can sell her sorrows in exchange for a new life and the promise of happiness. However, the opportunity comes at a price: she has one week to find true happiness, or she will disappear forever. On her journey, Serin will be accompanied by the dokebi, fantastic creatures from Korean folklore, and a cat with the ability to change size. As she moves forward, a shadow follows her at a distance, adding an element of suspense to her quest. The novel combines fantasy with a deep emotional exploration of identity, loneliness, and the meaning of happiness.
Main Themes
- The search for identity and true happiness during adolescence.
- Overcoming loneliness and the feeling of misery.
- The value of choices and the price of changing one's life.
- Magical realism inspired by Korean folklore, featuring creatures like the dokebi.
- The coming-of-age journey as a metaphor for personal growth.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for young readers and adults who enjoy fantasy and magical realism novels with strong emotional weight. It is ideal for those looking for stories of personal growth, fantastic adventures, and reflections on happiness and identity. It will also be attractive to those interested in Korean culture and folklore, as well as narratives that combine magical elements with universal human dilemmas.
What this book offers
- An emotional story that invites reflection on the true meaning of happiness and the importance of valuing one's own life.
- An immersion into Korean magical realism, with unique characters and creatures that enrich the plot.
- A coming-of-age journey full of suspense and fantasy that keeps the reader interested until the end.
- A hopeful perspective on overcoming loneliness and misery in adolescence.
- An agile and immersive read, ideal for those looking for a novel that combines emotion and magic.
Technical Specifications
- Author: YOO, YEONG-GWANG
- Publisher: Dnx Libros
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: FANTASY, FANTASY AND MAGICAL REALISM (CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT)
- Collection: BACKLIST
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2025
- Number of pages: 224
- Weight: 564 g
Editorial Review
THE SHOP THAT OPENS WHEN IT RAINS is an original proposal that combines fantasy with deep emotional reflection, ideal for young adult and adult audiences. The premise of selling one's sorrows to achieve happiness, combined with the time limit and the presence of Korean folklore creatures, creates an attractive and suspenseful plot. The work stands out for its ability to address themes such as loneliness and identity from a magical and hopeful perspective. It is a recommended read for those looking for a novel that both entertains and invites introspection.