[K-LIT REVIEW] Minyoung Kang's 'Plant Lady' gets comfortable with 'cozy horror'

Minyoung Kang's "Plant Lady" immerses readers in a cozy plant shop nestled in an ordinary residential neighborhood. The story features a solitary woman tending to the plants with a motherly touch, alongside a small ensemble of ordinary characters facing challenges that ultimately lead to happy resolutions. Notably, the inclusion of cats adds to the charm of the narrative. However, the inclusion of murder might detract from the overall appeal for some readers.

Kang's author's note reveals that she drew inspiration from numerous books where unnamed women met tragic ends. She aimed to create a story that challenges this trend, focusing instead on feminine rage and a fast-paced plot that doesn't spare its characters. By starting with these perspectives, readers may find a more impactful experience, as the juxtaposition of a serene plant shop and the impending horror may otherwise go unnoticed.