Book Review: The Water Stricken

Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka

One woman’s search for justice unravels the threads of fate and tradition.

Rina Olsen’s The Water Stricken weaves folklore, history, and fantasy into this prequel of Third Moon Passing, immersing readers in the rich, turbulent world of 19th-century Joseon Korea. 

Set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of chaos, where the spread of Catholicism threatens traditional belief, the novel follows Hwangbo Pyori, a young concubine whose death on her wedding night sparks a haunting tale of murder, political tension, and supernatural intrigue. This gripping narrative unfolds through Pyori’s perspective as she navigates the overlap —the boundary between the living and the dead—while searching for answers for her death. 

Amidst escalating violence and fear, Pyori, the daughter of a farmer and a mudang (shaman), becomes a tragic figure caught in a political and religious struggle beyond her control. As a restless ghost, Pyori’s journey is heartbreaking and captivating as she slowly uncovers the mystery of her death while wandering a world where the living no longer see her. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Geum Narae, a daring damo (female police officer) and secret Catholic, who is the only person able to see her. Tasked with investigating Pyori’s death, Narae is key to helping her uncover the truth behind her murder.

Together, Pyori and Narae embody a society on the brink of change, as Korea clings to isolationist ideals while Western influence continues to seep in. Narae, embracing the future, asserts her right to worship freely and challenges the societal constraints of gender and class, defying norms that limit women and subordinate them to men. In contrast, Pyori life is shaped by past traditions of sacrificing her own desires to fulfill familial obligations. She is given as a concubine to a nobleman in exchange for her parents’ future grandchild, whom they assume will be a son, replacing Pyori as another mouth to feed. Gender, religion, and social status are all at the heart of The Water Stricken. 

Impeccably researched, Olsen approaches a society’s complexities in transition with sensitivity and devotion, striking a remarkable balance between historical detail and the integration of Korean folklore. Supernatural elements, such as dokkaebi (goblins) and various folk deities, breathe life into the narrative, adding depth and mystique. These mythical beings seamlessly blend with realistic depictions of 19th-century Korean culture, where Pyori’s mother hangs a cow’s nose ring above the door to ward off evil spirits, and shamanic rituals are performed to release restless souls like Pyori from their wandering fates. Yet, despite being a shaman, Pyori’s mother neither sees her nor performs a ritual for her. The family fails to follow traditional rites, such as offering food at her grave. In a pitiful scene, Pyori watches her mother and observes that “Not even the tears of dead girls are enough to bring them back to their mothers.”

Amidst the intricate history and worldbuilding, Olsen always retains sight of the novel’s plot, skillfully balancing the gradual uncovering of Pyori’s memories with the political intrigue surrounding France’s attempts to influence Korea. While the sheer amount of political detail can feel overwhelming at times, it is kept in check by the strength of the characters. Numerous yet distinct, each character is memorable, including the gods, who are as passionate and fallible as the humans they live amongst.  

Ultimately, The Water Stricken is a story about consequences—whether they arise from personal choices, societal expectations, or the will of the gods. Through its exploration of fate, duty, and the collision of past and future, the novel offers a profound reflection on how the forces that shape our lives—both human and divine—demand a reckoning. Rina Olsen’s captivating blend of history, folklore, and fantasy leaves readers contemplating the weight of decisions and the far-reaching impact of tradition and belief.

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