Name: Chelsea Busby

Job title: Youth program specialist for the Jackson County Public Library

What’s the name of the book and author you are recommending?

“The Red Palace” by June Hur.

What made you want to pick up this book in the first place?

I really liked the cover art, and after reading the synopsis, I was hooked.

Once you got into the book, what made you want to keep reading it?

I really like June Hur’s writing style. From Page 1, I felt as though I was in the story itself.

Once you finished the book, what did you like about it?

All of it. The storyline was great. The fact that it was inspired by actual events. The dynamic between the characters and how they navigated and challenged the social constructs that were set in place for that time.

What is the book about?

“The Red Palace” is historical fiction, set in 1758 Korea during the Joseon dynasty, that tells the story of fictional characters Hyeon and Eojin as they pursue truth even if it means giving up their lives. Hyeon, a palace nurse, finds herself in the midst of an investigation of the massacre that has left her mentor as the main suspect. Eojin, a police inspector, strives to find the murderer even if it means confronting the royal family. In this thrilling tale, you get to see a breach of social class, the slow burn of romance and the complexity of what truth can reveal. Author June Hur also provides titles to materials that give information about the life of Prince Sado, who inspired the story.

Why would you recommend this book to others?

If you are anything like me, historical texts can be really hard to read, and retaining said information can be hard if you are bored. This book made me hungry to learn more about the Sado prince that inspired June to write this story. I would recommend this book because it is very well written and may spark the want to learn about the history of the Joseon dynasty.