How can you not judge a book by its cover?
I fell in love with the title, cover and blurb of the Korean bestseller The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang. It is a sweet whimsical tale of a schoolgirl who enters the Rainfall Market, meets with the Dokkaebi and adventures with a magical cat called Issha. I love the magical market trope, notably Christina Rossetti's The Goblin Market, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher and Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar.
Cumulus Clouds in a jar, Mushroom Lanterns, Wisdom tooth charms and Marshmallow tears Yes, please! Do you have a favourite fictional market?*
Inanna by Emily H Wilson is a retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the mythologies of the Sumerian goddess of Love and War. I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid stories of 2 young women growing into their power. These are stories about the gods so be ready for some twisted behaviour. Gilgamesh feels relatable too.
The Flight of Mavin Manyshaped by Sheri Tepper was a re-read. I'm so glad I read this as a teen - thoughtful, feminist fantasy in a strange world.
*My other favourite magical markets occur in Stardust and Neverwhere.
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