A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang is one of those dreamy stories that slowly meanders through the lives of everyday people, showing us the little moments that make up a life. There are no grand plots, no world defining events or larger than life characters. These stories follow the regrets of those trying to move beyond life, the moments at the end of their lives that were unresolved. At the center of the book is the connection we have between food and memories, those desserts that define little loves of our lives. It was a unique plot element and one that made me want to head out to a bakery. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a calming read on a rainy afternoon.

The Best Bits

• The desserts – they’re simple yet effective
• The cat – it knows all
• The temple – such an interesting visual

A Few Thoughts

I’ve always loved character pieces and this book excels at presenting moments in everyday life that so many of us might experience. We see a young boy taken too early who just wanted to share deserts with his new sister to show her he loves her. We see an artist struck down in her prime, wanting to share a desert with her partner on the eve of a career-defining show. These aren’t happy moments but they end with joy as the ghosts move past life into the beyond. There is no attempt to define the afterlife and no glimpse beyond the veil, beyond the presence of these ghosts in the shop. The new owner is reluctant but grows into her new role as she masters the recipes, learns her customer’s stories, and helps them on their way. 

Most of all, I appreciated the detail given to each of the characters stories. They’re disconnected in a good way, showing a variety of ages and places in life. We see their final moments but we also see the impact their deaths had on those they loved. Lost loves, lost friends, lost family members who are adrift in the world without closure. In providing that closure, lives are able to end and resume, presenting an interesting circle of life moment that’s both beautiful and sad. The writing is dreamy and slow, but it feels perfect for the stories being told.

Overall, it’ll leave you with a mix of warm feelings and contemplation on the meaning of life and the little moments we might take for granted.