Color of Earth review
There’s so much to look at in and say about Color of Earth that I’m not sure where to start. The relationship between Ehwa and her mother. Young Ehwa’s blossoming mind and body. The monk’s struggle with his emerging sexuality? All of this and more is set against a gorgeous Korean countryside. It is in nature that Ehwa defines herself, often as a flower. A fickle young girl turning into a woman, the flowers she prefers, like the way the rain falls – is constantly changing.
In some ways, the book is uncomfortable. The opening scene with two beetles mating and the young boys eagerly watching is both honest and almost too private. It’s like spying on a world that most adults would rather leave alone. Hwa handles this delicate transition through art. The boys and girls are drawn sparingly, almost like one line, the pen never leaving the paper. They are undefined though lovely. Nature, on the other hand, is exquisitely detailed. Nature is in control and humanity has no choice but to grow and follow the seasons.
Ehwa and her mother live alone. Her father has died and while it must have effected Ehwa greatly, there’s no mention of how. Her mother often hints at being lonely and uses Ehwa as her confidant, delighting in Ehwa’s growth because it gives her a reason to discuss her repressed sexuality. This relationship is all the two women have and they cherish it. Ehwa trusts her mother and believes her incapable of making any mistakes. At her mother’s encouragement, Ehwa begins to pursue innocent relationships. She and her mother string flowers outside their home and giggle at the prospect of romance. Of course, there will be a time when Ehwa’s simple longing becomes more intense but in this first, sweet volume she is a girl falling in love as quickly and as fleetingly as a butterfly chooses a flower.
I wish I had two copies of this book. One to read and one to cut out pictures to paste on boxes. It is not an easy or exciting read but there is something compelling in Ehwa and her mother.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
[...] Brienza on Clover (omnibus edition) (ANN) Sadie Mattox on The Color of Earth (Extremely Graphic) Shannon Fay on Don’t Rush Love (Kuriousity) Sesho on vol. 2 of Future [...]