232 pages, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
Paperback
Release Date:31 Mar 2005
ISBN:9780824828875
Hardcover
Release Date:31 Mar 2005
ISBN:9780824827670
CA$45.95 Back Order
Ships in 4-6 weeks.
GO TO CART

Trees on a Slope

By Hwang Sun-wŏn; Translated by Bruce Fulton
University of Hawaii Press

Hwang Sun-won (1915–2000) is one of modern Korea’s masters of narrative prose. Trees on a Slope (1960) is his most accomplished novel—one of the few Korean novels to describe in detail the physical and psychological horrors of the Korean War. It is an assured, forceful depiction of three young soldiers in the South Korean army during the latter stages of the war: Hyŏnt’ae, the arrogant and overconfident squad leader; the stolid and dependable Yun-gu; and "the Poet" Tong-ho. The war affects the men in different ways. Before he can return home, Tong-ho takes his own life after shooting an officer and a prostitute. Hyŏn-t’ae, finding himself removed from situations of mortal danger, spends most of his time drinking; in the end he is arrested for abetting in the suicide of a young girl. Only Yun-gu is able to make the successful transition to postwar life. His ability to survive the encroachments of others, exploit limited resources, and capitalize on the lessons of harsh experience make him emblematic of Korea over the centuries.

Trees on a Slope will introduce an English-reading audience to an important voice in modern Asian literature.

Find what you’re looking for...

Free shipping on online orders over $40

Stay Informed

Receive the latest UBC Press news, including events, catalogues, and announcements.


Read past newsletters

Publishers Represented
UBC Press is the Canadian agent for several international publishers. Visit our Publishers Represented page to learn more.