I’m typically not a reader of non-fiction but I decided to give ‘The Healing Power of Korean Letter Writing’ a go because the premise sounded interesting but more than that was the review left by Aneeka M. on NetGalley. If you’re on the fence about reading this, I highly recommend reading their review to help make your decision- when they said this book will give your soul a much-needed hug they were absolutely right as I was in a bit of a reading slump before I read this but it honestly helped bring me out of it.

As you would expect from the description this book is about letter-writing and all the aspects involved with it- how to structure a letter, how to choose paper, where and when to write a letter, and so much more. This sort of format could easily end up as a boring list but Juhee Mun manages to avoid this due to the very personable, conversational tone the book takes. The book is quietly beautiful and uplifting, the authors love for letter-writing is clear throughout and I couldn’t help but smile whilst reading it. I wouldn’t say I was someone who was particularly interested in letter-writing before I read this but now it’s definitely something I’d like to have a go at.

For me ‘The Healing Power of Korean Letter Writing’ feels a bit like ‘The Bookshop Woman’ in that whilst they’re both non-fiction books, their themes align with those found in a lot of the recently translated fiction from Korea and Japan. If you’re already a fan of cosy, healing fiction translations this is a pretty similar read in that it’s hopeful and warm and it really is something you should consider adding to your TBR, even if you have no previous interest in letter-writing.

Thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me review this book

A beautifully written book, I was drawn to this as old school, I wrote letters, I had pen pals and before mobiles wrote to my now husband whom I had a long distance relationship. I was also a lover of stationary shops ( the old fashioned ones)

This is memior, how to all and about letter writing parties and the author has a letter shop - maybe this was like my memories of stationers, ink different grades of pens and pencils - love it.

I do hope letter writing is not cast into history

Beautifully illustrated loved this

Who knew that a book about letter writing could be so informative and also fascinating. What a wonderful idea - to open a letter writing shop - somewhere to buy the pens, paper etc with even an area for letters to be written and shared.
I’m so glad I was asked to read and review this book as it’s been an absolute delight. Until I read it, I’d forgotten how much pleasure there is putting pen to paper as opposed to fingers to keyboard. This book has stirred me to take up this habit again and I’m sure that many who read it, will also discover the enjoyment again, of this almost forgotten art.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s so much more than just a guide to writing letters, it’s cosy and relaxing. It really drove home the benefits of communication and taking time to connect with others.

I read this as soon as I downloaded it. There's just something about a letter that sets my heart beating just a little bit faster. Possibly due to the fact I was born pre-internet, and communicated with friends and relatives via royal mail when I was young, so this maybe has something to do with it. The memory of the sound of the postman at the door, a letter dropping on the mat...still has the power to send that little thrill down my spine. So it's maybe understandable that I found this book a joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly, letter writing is fast becoming a lost art since the advent of speedy social media responses, emails and texts. Who has time to sit and think about what to write and how it might impact someone else, then send it via snail mail instead? Precious few, perhaps.

This delightful little book shines a light on the often forgotten art of letter writing and describes why it’s vital to retain this medium of connection and communication. It transcends our usual swift and snappy ways of communicating with others because it’s a slower, less impersonal method.

There are short, easily digestible chapters, all with beguiling illustrations, alongside helpful tips to tempt us to learn, or become reacquainted with the slow, meditative nature of letter writing and what it means to both sender and recipient. We see how heartwarming it can be to write thoughtfully or to receive something deeply personal that we are likely to keep.

Korean culture and letter writing stationery shops which the author depicts, might differ from our own experience, but we can all relate to receiving mail in the post and can attest how spotting a handwritten missive can lift our spirits. It is far more welcome than the tons of throwaway junk mail we are often inundated with.

With step by step information on what is necessary for the art of letter writing and what choices we might make, even a novice can confidently begin to write their own, safe in the knowledge that the effort will be worth it as far as the eager recipient is concerned.

Whether you’re new to letter writing or are an old hand at it, you will find suggestions and tips you might not have thought of before. All to assist us in developing a habit which can bring so much pleasure to our loved ones and friends. Grateful thanks to Juhee Mun, Canongate and NetGalley for the eARC.