Book Review: The Orphanage by the Lake – A Disappointing Dive
When I picked up The Orphanage by the Lake, I expected a thrilling, emotional journey, but what I got was... underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t terrible—it just wasn’t good either. It falls into that murky middle ground where it’s an easy, quick read, but once you’re done, you’re left wondering if it was worth the time.
Korean Culture: Authentic or Forced?
Let’s start with what initially drew me in: the main character. From the cultural and food references, it’s pretty clear that she’s meant to be Korean or at least of Korean descent. I loved that representation at first. It felt like a nice change, especially in a genre that’s often dominated by protagonists who are all similar to one another. But as I kept reading, it started to feel forced. The cultural aspects seemed like they were added just to check off a box, rather than being an authentic part of the story. It made me wonder if the author was Korean themselves, because if not, the whole thing felt a bit inauthentic—like it was trying to stay relevant with pop culture by sprinkling it in here and there.
The Main Character: A Missed Opportunity
That leads me to my next point: the main character just didn’t feel fully developed for me. I wanted to connect with her, but something about how she was written felt off. Her inner thoughts and the way she spoke about herself often came across as unnatural, and it didn’t feel like an authentic portrayal. The character’s perspective didn’t quite hit the mark. There’s a scene where she is discussing a truly traumatic event that happened to her in the past, and instead of feeling the weight of her pain and grief, it all came across as cold and detached. It’s not that every portrayal of trauma needs to be emotional, but there was a clear lack of empathy in how it was written. It didn’t seem like the author understood the depth of what the character was going through.
Over-The-Top Foreshadowing
And speaking of lackluster writing, the foreshadowing in this book is way too obvious. If you’re trying to figure out who the assailant is, you’ll probably guess it halfway through the book thanks to the overuse of foreshadowing. There’s no subtlety, no nuance—just a flashing neon sign pointing at the villain. It’s like the author didn’t trust the reader to piece things together, so they spoon-fed every clue.
A Neat but Shallow Ending
Now, let’s talk about the ending. Sure, it ties everything up nicely, almost too neatly. Every loose end is wrapped up in a bow, but it feels disconnected from the characters and the plot. It’s as if the book was written by someone trying way too hard to sound in touch, like a boomer trying to use “cap” in conversation. It’s cringey, and it pulls you out of the story. It’s clear that the author wanted to end on a satisfying note, but instead, it comes off as inauthentic and, frankly, a little tone-deaf.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Orphanage by the Lake is a book that tries but ultimately misses the mark. The representation, though well-intentioned, feels hollow, and the main character lacks depth. The emotional scenes fall short, and the overly obvious foreshadowing ruins any mystery the book tries to build. While it’s a quick and easy read, it left me feeling like it was a wasted opportunity for something greater. If you're thinking about picking this one up, proceed with caution.
