Saha is a disquieting dystopian story from Korean author Cho Nam-Joo that explores oppression, privilege, humanity and suffering.

Saha Estate, a decaying block of housing units, is home to a disenfranchised assortment of residents, ‘nobodies’, who eke out an existence on the fringes of an independent, corporate controlled country, ruled by an anonymous board known only as The Council of Ministers, and referred to as ‘Town’.

The narrative begins with Jin-Kyung, a young woman whose younger brother, Do-kyung, survives a suicide pact with his high status girlfriend only to be accused of murdering her. When he disappears, Jin-Kyung’s anger at yet another injustice festers, and compounds, until she gathers her courage to confront its architects.

A series of character vignettes follows, illustrating the lives of past and current Saha outcasts including Do-kyung and his girlfriend Su, the building’s caretaker simply called “Old man”, long-time resident, Granny Konnim, and her unusual adopted granddaughter, Woomi. I was quite caught up in these heartbreaking tales of bad luck, prejudice, violence and desperation. To me each sketch highlights the ways in which somebody can become nobody, sometimes through no fault of their own.

Though there is death and secrets in Saha, I would not label it as a mystery. The focus of Saha is on exploring themes that echo current social issues, including the inequity of rampant capitalism, the effects of the pandemic, and the struggle of disenfranchised populations, especially immigrants.

Despite some interesting elements, I found Saha to be a generally sad, bleak story. Though only a short novel it is not a quick read, and offered what I felt was little payoff. ( )

DNF. Where Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 was angry, vivacious and interesting, Saha was monotonous, flat and uninteresting. Despite the shadowiness of Town, I couldn't raise any interest to continue or care what happened.

diverse dystopian fiction, fictional dictatorship city-state. ( )