The Rainfall Market

A South Korean girl named Serin reads a book about a magical place called The Rainfall Market run by human-like people called the Dokkaebi where one can purchase a glass orb containing the life they wish for.  Her favorite radio program has a segment called Stories from the Listeners where one listener’s letter of their personal hardships earns them a ticket to The Rainfall Market. 

Serin writes the show a letter sharing that her father died when she was young, her little sister ran away, she has no friends, and she can’t see any good prospects for her future. When her letter is chosen, she begins an unimaginable adventure to the Rainfall Market where pursuing the dream life she wants may be more dangerous than she could’ve imagined when someone there stops playing by the rules!

You Yeong-Gwang’s debut caught my eye frankly because of its beautiful cover and also because I’ve been craving something different than my typical thrillers and rom-coms lately. The magical realism, thought-provoking feel-good story line, light touch of fantasy and cast of fun characters was just what I needed. The cherry on top? A magical, size-changing spirit guide cat named Issha that behaves more like a puppy and completely stole my heart!

The writing is fairly simple and some have suggested it felt suited to a middle grade audience. Whether that’s a translation issue or just the way it’s written, I didn’t find it to be too young for an adult audience despite the MC being a teen or school-aged (I'm not sure her exact age). It had shades of Willy Wonka and Meg Shaffer’s The Wishing Game with the winning ticket scenario and whimsical setting. It also had the philosophical bent of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library concerning the opportunity to “try on” different lives. Throw in a little magic and a thread of mystery, and it was a fun read.

I listened to this on audio while reading on my Kindle, and narrator Rosa Escoda did an amazing job bringing Serin and the very entertaining Dokkaebi characters to life. Serin’s story of youthful self-discovery mixed with found family, adventure, mild peril and an adorable kitty companion made this a charming and sweet read, and the ending was so touching! Read the author’s note if you get a chance. His own experience is quite inspiring!

★★★★ 

Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group | Ace, NetGalley and author You Yeong-Gwang for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.

Just a quick note of assurance that the kitty will be OK despite some questionable moments!