

👀 First impressions:
Walking Practice is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, a strange, surreal, and confronting novella that blends body horror, satire, and social commentary. Originally published in Korean in 2013 and recently translated into English, it tells the story of a shapeshifting alien who takes on different human forms to lure men, seduce them, and consume them. Beneath the grotesque premise lies a sharp critique of gender, identity, and the way society polices bodies and desires.
✅ What I Liked:
I loved how sharp and unsettling the prose was, pulling me deep into the alien’s fragmented thoughts and perceptions. The way Dolki Min blends science fiction, horror, and satire makes the book feel both bizarre and brilliant, offering something completely fresh. I also found the alien’s perspective fascinating because it challenges so many assumptions about gender, conformity, and identity. Even in its darkest moments, there were flashes of strange humour that cut through the horror, making the story even more compelling.
❎ What I didn’t Like:
That said, the violence and body horror are extremely graphic, which will be a major barrier for many readers. At times, the narrative felt disjointed and repetitive, pulling me out of the rhythm of the story. This isn’t a book for someone seeking a straightforward plot or clean resolution—it leans into the unsettling and the abstract.
📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you want a short, provocative, and disturbing read that lingers long after you close the final page, Walking Practice is worth your time. It is a book for those who enjoy experimental fiction and translated literature, or for readers who relish the challenge of a story that pushes at the boundaries of genre and comfort zones.
💭 Final Thoughts:
Walking Practice is visceral, haunting, and wildly original. It unsettles, disturbs, and provokes thought in equal measure. Dolki Min has created something grotesque yet strangely beautiful. a work that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity and the human condition.
🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE
Final Rating ★★★★★ – Disturbing, brilliant, and unforgettable.
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