i really, really loved this book. brought tears to my eyes. i didn’t expect that plot twist about the kain character at all. this just found me at the right time. thank you so much for another ARC of a comfort book!!! 💖💖💖

I love translated fiction so was very excited about this book. I loved the community feel of the good and it was an uplifting story. It was a slow read but that felt right so I could fully immerse myself in the setting and story. I found this easy to read and would definitely recommend

4,5/5

Mrs. Yeon worries about her son, her convenience store, her employees, and her memory, which isn't the same as it used to be. The proof is that she's lost her wallet. Luckily, a man found it, a vagrant, a homeless man, someone she shouldn't have crossed paths with, but who will change everything...
I spotted this novel as soon as it came out in Korean, and so I was looking forward to it with perhaps excessive impatience. What I'll remember first and foremost from this book is that it's a novel full of humanity and great tenderness. I loved the themes it explored: those of the marginalized, people who don't fit into society's norms, the elderly too, and themes that are too rarely addressed in Korean works, such as alcohol, for example, which is one of the country's major problems. Still, it is not perfect for me, and I think that's more a matter of form than substance. In this kind of novel, I love it when destinies intertwine and each one brings something to the others. Here, we have a more linear structure; it's essentially the hero who helps others, and the stories of the secondary characters follow one another. We even go back a few times to tell the fate of one or the other rather than talking about several people at once; it left me with a rather strange feeling. And then there's that final chapter, a real gem, written in the first person, but which I would have loved to discover in small pieces throughout the story. In short, with a different cut, I would have liked it even more.
It's still a beautiful novel, which will undoubtedly be among my favorite Korean sweet novels, and these last pages have convinced me to be there for the sequel. But now that I'm stripped of my expectations, I also really want to reread it and take the time to better absorb its message.



Madame Yeon s'inquiète pour son fils, pour sa supérette, pour ses employés, pour sa mémoire qui n'est plus la même qu'autrefois aussi, la preuve, elle a égaré son portefeuille. Par chance, un homme l'a trouvé, un vagabond, un sans abri, quelqu'un dont elle n'aura pas dû croiser la route et qui pourtant va tout changer...
J'avais repéré ce roman dès sa sortie en coréen et je l'attendais donc avec une impatience démesurée peut-être. Ce que je retiendrai en premier lieu de cette lecture, c'est que c'est un roman plein d'humanité, d'une grande douceur. J'ai adoré les thèmes abordés, ceux des laissés pour compte, les personnes en marge de la société, les personnes âgées aussi, et des thèmes trop peu évoqués dans les productions coréennes comme l'alcool par exemple, qui est pourtant l'un des problèmes majeur du pays. Malgré tout, ce n'est pas tout à fait un coup de coeur et je pense que cela vient plus de la forme que du fond. Dans ce genre de romans, j'adore que les destins s'entrecroisent, s'emmêlent et que chacun apporte quelque chose aux autres. Ici, on est sur un schéma plus linéaire, c'est essentiellement le héros qui aide les autres, et les histoires des personnages secondaires se succèdent. On repart même quelque fois en arrière pour raconter le destin de l'un ou de l'autre plutôt que de parler de plusieurs personnes à la fois, cela m'a laissé une impression assez étrange. Et puis on a ce dernier chapitre, une vraie pépite, à la première personne, mais que j'aurais tellement aimé découvrir par petits bouts tout au long de l'histoire. En bref, avec un découpage différent, le coup de coeur aurait sûrement été au rendez-vous.
C'est malgré tout un très beau roman, qui figurera sans aucun doute parmi mes romans doux coréens préférés et ces dernières pages m'ont convaincue d'être au rendez-vous pour la suite. Mais maintenant que je suis dépouillée de mes attentes, j'ai également très envie de le relire et de prendre le temps de mieux m'imprégner de son message.


Liens à venir

One look at the cover, and you know The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho Yeon, tr from Korean by Janet Hong falls under the category of ‘healing fiction’ where either cats, cafes or convenience stores in Japan or Korea with some magic specific to them set right all major life crises. How a single (and simple) act of kindness has a telling effect is its one-line crux. Add another line, it shows that life gives us a chance (or many chances) to correct our errors and set things right, if only we remain perceptive. 

Mrs.Yeom, a retired high school history teacher, runs a convenience store. When her missing/lost purse is found and duly returned to her by a stranger, a homeless person holed up in Seoul station who looks like a grizzly bear, her efforts to thank him give him a new lease of life. For the stranger who cannot remember his past due to excessive drinking, the promise of good food and drink comes first, followed by a job offer. An appearance makeover and abstinence from alcohol follow suit, and he gets a name too, Dokgo. 

Dokgo gives more than he receives & his colleagues, regular customers, even his boss Mrs Yeom, benefit greatly from his trust, kindness and care. The last two chapters where we learn who Dokgo was before he became homeless with his memories slowly revisiting him is where everything comes together yielding a heartwarming finish. 

With interesting characters and life affirming lines, if you are a cynic you would give this 3*; if a victim of draining routine/mid life crisis, a 4.5*, I will stick to the middle path. For giving a fair picture of the Korean society - the popularity of cosmetic surgery, the condition of the homeless in its swanky cities where there is cut throat hustle to thrive, this gets an extra brownie point. With an apt title & smooth narrative, reflective and hopeful, if this book’s job is to fix a little something broken in us, it does it pretty well.

Dok Go has been homeless for sometime and he couldn't remember his past. Then he finds a wallet while in Seoul Station and then that changes his life forever. The wallet belongs to an old woman named Mrs. Yeom who is a distraught convenience store owner ad a former retired teacher. When she receives the call from Dok go that he found her wallet, she was excited and offers him free food from the convenience store. When one night, Dok Go saves the store from getting robbed, Mrs. Yeom hires him for the night shift despite hesitations from her staff. And that is how story starts and how Dok Go working in the store changes everyone's lives by offering them free advice to their problems. Meanwhile Mrs. Yeom's son is determined to find the secret that Dok Go is hiding.

This is a heartwarming tale. I like the style of writing and the novel as a whole was intriguing and enjoyable to read. Dok Go's character is a character that I liked. However the story was predictable but then again, the flow of the story was good which made the novel overall enjoyable to read. The reveal of Dok Go's secret at the end was intriguing and interesting.

Overall I give this book a four star rating.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

I didn’t have many expectations when I picked up this book but it started off so well I thought it might turn out to be a pleasant surprise. From the first few pages I was instantly invested in Mrs Yeom and Dokgo’s unconventional relationship; I couldn’t wait to see how it would develop further. But then I got to the second chapter, soon understanding that we would follow different characters throughout the novel. To me, this narrative style is usually a hit (Han Kang’s Human Acts) or a miss (Cho Yeeun’s The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre). Unfortunately, this one was the latter, and the non-linear aspect of it didn’t help. Each new person was more irritating and less interesting than the one who came before. But that’s what happens when you reduce someone’s life to a chapter: it becomes a shallow overview severely lacking in depth.

Which is a shame, because the writing is truly insightful. Kim authentically depicts the reality of (South Korean) society through the struggles of his characters, and he has a way of describing one’s emotions with such beautiful rawness. On the other hand, it often felt like he was sermonising us, saying this is good and this is bad. It starts with two seemingly principled characters (the convenience store’s owner and the homeless man), then come the prejudiced employees who sort of stand in a grey area before they slowly let go of their preconceptions, and finally the "bad people" who must be taught a lesson by the "good" ones. I’m not sure what the author tried to do here, focusing on unpleasant customers ("PIAs") and young delinquents. This side plot didn’t go anywhere. The whole thing was disappointingly too black and white.

In the end, the story’s contradictions and overall hypocrisy became too much. I don’t know what to think of the writer’s intentions anymore. "Could one small act of kindness really change someone so dramatically?" a character rightly wondered. Good question, but to what purpose? To become a useful member of society seems to be the predominant answer. Not surprising coming from a Confucian country, but very underwhelming nonetheless. It makes Dokgo’s transformation and (good) redemption arc almost meaningless…

The way I ate this novel up still surprises me. This was that warm hug, that little craving, the little extra coffee right before lunch break is over. I fell in love with the words, the prose, the build up. I salute the translator, and I bow towards greatness to Kim Ho-Yeon. Because this book was sublime in every way. I will not spoil, I will not to the same recap others do: I will simplu say that I will be ordering my own physical copy, because I need to highlight and comment in the margins of my copy. I think I cried five times, and laughed right after. It's so well linked, and Kim Ho-Yeon never TELLS me anything, I am SHOWN clearly. I loved every sentence. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me give my honest feedback.

✨ 4.5 stars
A gentle, healing story about second chances, human connection, and the quiet magic of kindness.

When Mrs. Yeom loses her wallet on the train, she never expects that the man who finds it—Dokgo, a homeless stranger with no memory of his past—will change her life, and the lives of everyone around her. What begins as a small act of gratitude turns into something much deeper as Dokgo becomes a quiet presence in her 24-hour convenience store, helping others through simple acts, patient listening, and an almost spiritual calm.

Kim Ho-yeon writes with warmth and sincerity, weaving together small stories of grief, loneliness, and hope. Dokgo’s mysterious aura and slow journey of remembering feel both tender and meaningful. This book is a quiet reminder that we’re all connected—and that healing often begins with simply being seen and heard.

It’s a novel that reads like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day: comforting, reflective, and full of quiet grace.

I absolutely adored this book, what a warm, kind, gentle story.
I loved the characters and the relationship between Dokgo and Mrs Yeom. I loved the kindness shown by Mrs Yeom, and in turn, the kindness and wisdom shown to others by Dokgo.
If anything, I would have liked it to be longer as I wanted to read more.
Nothing was lost in translation. 5 stars.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

One moment changes a man's future, and his involvement sets off a chain of events that impact everyone around him. The Second Chance Convenience Store is about connection, communication, and community, and it is overflowing with hope for humanity.

When a woman's purse goes missing, the last thing she expects is for a homeless man to return it (and then return it again, just a little more bloody). However, one act of kindness is returned with another, and that really is the message of this whole book.

The mysterious 'Dokgo' is given a second chance through random chance, and his slow and methodical ways help transform both customers and employees who spend time around him. From the floundering Sihyeon and burnt out Seonsuk who work the day shifts to runaway children, struggling writers, down and out sons, boozed up family men, and tired private detectives - all those who come into his sphere are changed in ways that have the potential to shift their fates.

I really enjoyed most of this story. Each section is told from a different point of view, starting with 'The Boss' of the Always Convenience. You get a glimpse into their struggles, worries, and hardships, and then after receiving some insight or thoughtful advice from Dokgo, you witness a moment that holds potential to transform their situation. For some, this is clarity about their mindset and goals, while for others it is a rockier road.

The book covers a lot of big issues, including alcoholism, aging, family pressure, toxic masculinity, broken families, suicide, homelessness, and more. Despite the heavy content, the story feels light and encouraging.

I struggled with the ending, as it felt really disconnected and exposition heavy. I was disappointed that such an important POV was rushed so quickly. For me, this let the book down a bit as it felt forced and didactic whereas the other chapters were emotive and naturally progressed.

Overall, this is a very thoughtful and genuine story that spreads hope and reminds you that our perspective is just that - our own. Sometimes listening is the best thing we can do, and that can heal and inspire in ways that are unexpected but necessary.

Thank you to Kim Ho-Yeon, Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc!

This book was like being enveloped in a warm hug and I loved every minute. There’s just something about Asian fiction that is so comforting to me and this one is sure to be a new favourite that I will be recommending to everyone who will listen.

The Second Chance Convenience Store follows the story of Dokgo, a mysterious but kind homeless man and the connections he weaves with the staff and customers of a small convenience store. I love when books like this tell so many different interconnected tales in one and I loved reading how Dokgo impacted the lives of everyone he came across no matter how big or small. I couldn’t help coming away from this feeling hopeful and uplifted - what more could you want?!

The perfect weekend read to fight off the Sunday scaries!

As a big fan of East Asian literature I was so keen for this one, and it did not disappoint. Essentially a story of most basic human struggles and biggest issues in Korean society, homelessness, corruption, fraud, pressure of performance and workforce. I found this book lovely, following
Dok-go, a homeless man, who rescued a stolen bag of Mrs.Yeom. It is more than anything a story of hope, kindness, small acts hope, optimism, bravery and connection. Each on of these stories is interconnected, each one of these people leave a lasting effect on other, making world just a little bit better, for at least one person at a time.

My only struggle was the pacing at point, but that didn't stop me from loving this. 4.5, rounded up!

Another great slice of life book that I will never tire of reading. Profoundly provoking and ethereal in the writing.

this book i like one of those books you want to have in your bedside cabinets. or have parts underlined and kept on a shelf in your heart. the type you can feel cherished and warmed just by reading it. you learn something and want to be better just be reading it.
i dont know why but in some ways i got the feeling of the green mile from it. how this characters comes in and how he is seen. but hes so much more than that, he will be so much more than that for everyone who is lucky to walk into his life.
it had so many lessons to it but they werent shoved in your face and in no way preachy.
and it wasnt all fluff and lightness either.
the book gives us one man who does a kindness of returning a womans wallet. this woman is the local convenience store owner. it had so much of her life in that she is so completely grateful. in thanks she gives him just a meal, just a meal.but this meal is not just a meal to him. and soon other things start to occur from these little lasting moments of kindness. and all who cross this man path get their own little lights or changes.
its not easy for him. there are judgements especially at first. and some people really dont know how to just be good people. and when this happens could it ruin everything? or is there more good in this world to be had yet?
gorgeous book. from the cover to the end i was in a hug of a book.

The Second Chance Convenience Store is a novel that warmly surprises you with every chapter.

What's interesting about this novel is how we gradually get to know this mysterious man who lives on the streets, and who soon finds a place to spend the night, work, and slowly recover his memory, thanks to the kindness of Mrs. Yeom and each of the people who goes there or works alongside him. Only the last chapter is narrated by him.

I think this novel has many messages, many reflections, and invites us to look at the people around us. They make it clear in such an explicit way.

This story is one of those I would recommend for those who want something lighthearted yet meaningful.

I would love to know what the teenage Magui would think reading this book. It has a special place in my heart.

This book honestly felt like a warm hug. It’s a sweet, uplifting story that shows how even the smallest kind gesture can have a huge impact on people’s lives.
It all starts when Dok-go, a guy who doesn’t remember his past, returns a lost wallet to the local convenience store owner, Mrs. Yeom. She thanks him with a simple meal, and from there, everything slowly starts to change—for both of them and for everyone who crosses their path. The story is told from different perspectives, so you get to see how Dok-go’s presence affects the whole little community in really touching ways.
Even though it’s a cosy read, it also dives into some deeper stuff like second chances, forgiveness, and how much people can grow and change.
If you're in the mood for something heartwarming that reminds you there’s still good in the world, this one’s totally worth picking up.

When a homeless man with apparent amnesia unexpectedly does the owner of a convenience store a great favour, his actions attract considerable positive attention.

Unfortunately, this also puts him in the cross hairs of someone determined to dig into his past to discover some unpalatable truths...

This is a very human story in the vein of the current wave of east asian literature that is taking the western reading world by storm. Those who have enjoyed some of the recent Japanese and Korean translated stories will definitely enjoy this one. It gets 3.5 stars.

I adore this book.
It's filled with heartwarming moments, fantastic characters and just feels so comforting.
From start to finish I was pulled into this book and didn't want to put it down.
I was thrilled to receive this as an arc, and even though I've now read it, it's definitely one I want to buy and read again in the future.
The perfect gentle slice of life story.

I was so excited to try out Kim Ho-Yeon's book because I adore a translated fiction that makes you think more about life and try to see the positives. This one is translated by Janet Hong.

We are based in, surprise surprise, a convenience store! The owner ends up hiring a homeless man after he returns her lost handbag, and the book looks at how he impacts the lives of those he interacts with as well as how he escapes the rut that had gotten him into homelessness.

This book is fairly predictable, but in a really pleasant and peaceful way. It's not that I predict how each story will go, but more that I know how the resolution is going to make me feel. I also wasn't expecting our homeless employees backstory, it was a lot deeper than expected!

This book makes you also see that (almost) everyone is redeemable if they make the effort to work on themselves and that communication and honesty can resolve so many conflicts. I had a wonderful time reading this book and I hope book two is also translated into English!

What a beautiful, heart warming story that really highlights the impact kindness can be, sometimes without us even realising it.
The story follows Dok-go, a homeless man unable to remember his past who finds a lost wallet and calls the owner, Mrs Yeom, to give it back. Mrs Yeom is so relieved that she invites him to her convenience store for lunch as a thank you. After talking for a while she ends up inviting him to come back daily for lunch, and before long Dok-go captivates customers hearts. When Dok-go intercedes a robbery at the store Mrs Yeom offers him a job which proves to be life changing for all. Dok-go spends a lot of time talking to customers and being a listening ear, offering wisdom as necessary and soon the store has a really familiar feel to it. The story really shows the butterfly effect and how your actions and words can be impactful on other people (positively and negatively) and the beauty of good karma. Sometimes you never know how what you say or do, can be what saves a life or steers that persons (or your own) trajectory.
Although Dok-go has his own past demons to deal with, which is brought to life when Mrs Yeom's son starts to get involved, the story shows that everyone has the ability to change the direction of their life, and in the importance of kindness.