The vivid characters at the novel’s core make for a compelling read, and in a time of such global division, hopefully a uniting one. If I Had Your Face brings many facets of Korean culture to light for an American audience. “ If I Had Your Face isn’t just a good book - it’s a book we need, badly. It’s the scaffolding - and also, occasionally, the wrecking ball.” - The New York Times But take a closer look and you’ll find the sisterhood at the heart of this ambitious book. “The chapters alternate among the women, each one breathing new life into the old chestnut, “You never know what goes on behind closed doors.” At first you might make the mistake of thinking Cha’s story is all about wealth and plastic surgery and the pursuit of an impossible standard of beauty. At heart, “If I Had Your Face” is a novel about female strength, spirit, resilience - and the solace that friendship can sometimes provide.“ - The Washington Post

'I finished it in two sittings, have re-read it twice since and I'd still happily read it again - it's a serious contender for one of my favourite books ever.“A powerful and provocative rendering of contemporary South Korean society, one that might be considered bleak if not for the women themselves, who occasionally surprise with their compassion and bravery. 'Remarkable, brilliantly crafted and devastatingly exquisite' Kevin Kwan, bestselling author of CRAZY RICH ASIANS 'Glittering, engrossing' Helen Oyeyemi, author of GINGERBREAD 'Culturally fascinating, emotionally layered, gripping and smart' Curtis Sittenfeld, bestselling author of PREP and AMERICAN WIFE ' One of the buzziest debuts of the year, If I Had Your Face transports readers to glittering, futuristic Seoul. Assured, bold, and electrifying' Taylor Jenkins Reid, Sunday Times bestselling author of DAISY JONES & THE SIX and MALIBU RISING 'Fascinating, eye-opening, compelling - like the film Parasite, If I Had Your Face is also an exposé of the class system in South Korea' Independent Touching, compelling and icily cool' Observer Set in the drinking dens and beauty salons of Seoul, If I Had Your Face is an electrifying debut novel about female strength, resilience and the solace that friendship can provide. Wonna, their neighbour, pregnant with a child that she can't afford. Miho, an artist whose life becomes enmeshed with the offspring of the super-wealthy elite.Īra, a hairstylist whose obsession with a K-pop star leads her to violent extremes.

Kyuri, a beautiful 'room salon' girl paid to entertain wealthy businessmen after hours. In South Korea, where impossible beauty standards and ruthless social hierarchies dictate your every move, four women are balancing on a razor's edge: 'Gripping' Curtis Sittenfeld * 'Electrifying' Taylor Jenkins Reid * 'Remarkable' Kevin Kwan * 'Stunning' Sunday Times * 'Brilliant' Pandora Sykes

If had your face