This book is quirky and a little bit odd in a way that I'm not sure if I loved or not. I think its the type of book that would appeal to people who like things a little bit strange. It would probably make a good book group choice as I'm sure it would encourage debate and opinions about the story and the writing style.

This was such an enjoyable read for me!

We meet Serin, a girl who is unhappy with her life and longs for a new one, maybe one with a better job, more money or just generally being in a better situation than her current one. In comes the Rainfall Market, a magical market that only opens to invited parties once a year during the Rainy Season, and gives them the opportunity to choose a better life. The catch, if a new life isn't selected by the time the Rainy Season is over, the person is stuck in the market forever.

I absolutely loved Serin's journey through the market and all the characters she meets on her travels. The story was the right balance of magical realism & lighthearted storytelling & I could 100% see this as a Studio Ghibli film.

If you're looking for an easy read to cosy up with this month, make this it!

Too magical.
I read the reviews of this book and was looking forward to reading it, I had enjoyed the restaurant of lost recipes and the Marigold mind laundry.
Serin is the girl with no friends and no money, she wins a ticket to the mystical Rainfall market and a chance to alter her life. Once she gets there, the market is filled with magical characters and a cat who helps to guide her. Who can she really trust?
I found this too magical and odd for my taste.
Thank you NetGalley, You and Michael Joseph for this ARC.

This was a really enjoyable read - whimsical, enchanting, and so much fun. This is a quick read, perfect for days when you're looking for a bit of adventure.

As a big fan of Japanese fiction, I was instantly attracted to this book by its title and premise, and it didn’t disappoint. In some ways it reminded me a lot of traditional fairytales with its simple ideas and repetition between scenes as Serin endeavours to find the perfect life. However, I did get confused with character names at times as there are quite a lot and many of them aren't featured for very long!
If you are after a high-paced adventure, this may not be for you, but as a feel good, coming of age, moral story, in a highly imaginative setting, it is a definite must read! I would be really keen to read more books by the author in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

I really enjoyed this one. It was really well translated and a book that I will think fondly of

I feel that this book has been mis-categorised. This would have been a great middle grade book but as adult fiction, it just did not work for me. I found the language to be very simplistic and this may be a translation issue and not the fault of the author. However the story itself felt quite boring as there were no surprises or moments of tension or development. I just did not have a good time with this
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

"Nothing in this world is ever useless, Serin. It'll all come in handy someday." 

The story follows a girl who is unhappy with her lot in life, (who isn't at times?) who knows you can go to the Rainfall Market run hy Dokkaebi. The Dokkaebi will offer you the chance at a different life. I haven't read The Midnight Library but believe this has a similar premise.

The vibe is pure magic, as Serin works her way through the Rainfall Market in search of the life she thinks will suit her best. This has all the right notes for a Studio Ghibli movie so if you like them you will very likely enjoy this. I finished this over Christmas and have been thinking about it ever since. so a review was a must!

I read 38% of this book and then DNF'ed. Although I DNf'ed this book the part I read was not bad but i was bored. If you are a fan of Before the coffee gets cold or similar cozy mystery stories then you may enjoy this book.

I've seen a lot of reviews say this book is too juvenile or simplistic.. but I think that's kind of the point. As a teen we're all hoping for this, that and the other. A good job, lots of money, someone to spend out life with.. but it's not that simple. And even as an adult we get lost in those concepts.

Is this the most complex story out there? No. But it makes you think about what's in front of you, who's in front of you. Some of it could be it not translating properly but I genuinely think that this book is all about the message. It's about relationships and situations and your view on life and the future.

Will everyone like this book? No. But I did. And I cried (think I'm over emotional atm anyway to be honest!) not once but twice. Because of a cat.

DNF at 20%. This was a fun concept with a beautiful cover, but unfortunately the style just did not hold my interest enough to continue. The writing is stiff and sparse, I'm unsure if this is the original author's style or a result of the translation, which results in a stripped back narrative that's more tell than show, and lacks the dreamy, descriptive quality you might expect from the concept.

It also led to some confusion about the intended audience: it feels too simple for an adult audience, but lacking the emotional touchpoints that would cater to young adults. Seirin reads very young, but not in a way that younger readers would necessarily identify with. I wondered more than once why people weren't alarmed by a young child wandering alone, except she's almost college age.

There will be audience for this, fans of quiet translated fiction familiar with the pared back style. Unfortunately this one wasn't for me.

*Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

I absolutely loved this book. The friendship between Serin and Issha was beautiful. I loved reading about the two companions journeys through each marketplace to choose a better life and the introspection that came with each option.

It’s a very cosy read and one that can be read in one sitting with a mug of hot chocolate and some comfy clothes. I will most certainly be revisiting this story.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC of this delightful book.

Stepping into The Rainfall Market feels like being whisked away into a dream. This enchanting tale is a delicate blend of magical realism and heartfelt introspection, inviting readers to explore the delicate balance between desire, happiness, and the lives we wish to lead.

Serin’s journey is both captivating and bittersweet. The story sparkles with lush imagery, making the world within the Rainfall Market come alive. It’s the kind of book that envelops you in warmth, much like a cosy cup of cocoa on a rainy afternoon. The pacing is perfect, keeping readers engaged without rushing the story’s poignant, fable-like charm.

Serin’s weeklong quest to find the perfect life is beautifully interwoven with themes of self-discovery and choice. The whimsical nature of the market echoes the wonder of Studio Ghibli films.

Though devourable in one sitting, this is a story that lingers long after the last page. Its gentle wisdom and heartwarming message will leave you reflecting on your own definitions of happiness and fulfilment.

I loved this book. I thought the characters were written exceptionally well. The location sounded so idealistic that it would be somewhere I would love to go

I like Gobin markets, and the blurb of this book promised a Korean version. It was very interesting to read as Serin explored the market and came across potential life after potential life. Something was refreshing with how the orbs always showed the worst case sceniro of what she wanted and how she had to decide from that but was too young to understand that.

It was sweet but definitely more YA than adult.

The Rainfall Market is a short and easy read, with fantasy/fairy tale elements reminiscent of Studio Ghibli. The main character, Serin, is a young girl who dreams of a better life, something which can be gained from the magical Rainfall Market that only appears on the first day of monsoon season. Lucky enough to receive an invite to the Market, Serin sets forth with the aim to make her dream come true — but nothing is ever easy, or obvious, especially dreams.

This was a sweet and whimsical read, but I would say it’s more YA than adult. I really loved the character of Isha. Recommended.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Michael Joseph, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Net Galley for the arc.

As soon as I read the description of this book I knew I needed to read it, as a big Studio Ghibli and fairytale fan. I even had a couple of friends send it my way, and I'm so glad I picked this book up.

Everything about this lovely story, the world, the fuzzy feelings, the characters, the rooting for good to prevail. I just adored it.

I couldn't have loved Serin and Issha more, the book made me want to reach in and give them both the biggest hugs and tell them everything was okay.

Gorgeous book, beautifully written. I cannot wait to read more by You Yeong-Gwang. Also this needs to be an animated movie, asap!

Absolutely loved this book so much! I loved the premise of the book where people can write to this abandoned house in Rainbow Town about all their woes and if they received a ticket back they can bring it to the house on the first day of the rainy season to be granted entry into the Rainfall market, allowing them the chance to completely change their life. I loved Serin and Issha (the magical cat) and the whole set up was ticking all my boxes (cats, books, rainy season, magical realms) but as usual everything comes at a price and it gives Serin time to think about what she really wants, and at what cost.

Not one for be, unfortunately a DNF. Beautifully written, and I enjoyed the mood shifts between locations and characters, but the story just didn't grab me.

So the reason I wanted to read this book is because the I saw it on Netgalley and the synopsis sounded so cool! Friends, this book was literally magical. I have not read something so sweet and heart-warming and whimsical as this in a long long time. This book gave me such a feeling of nostalgia as it genuinely reminded me of the movies I used to watch as a child in the 90s early 2000s (Think spirited away/The Labyrinth). This is very much advertised as adult on Goodreads however personally I do think this would be perfectly fine to be in the YA section too. I loved the simplicity of the writing because it genuinely made me not want to put this book down as it was easy to follow along, however was still able to fully immerse me in the world and the story that I was following. I would 100% love to pick up another book by this author, and would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants some nostalgic fantasy vibes!