A SHELF AWARENESS BEST BOOK OF 2025 • A CBC BOOKS BEST CANADIAN FICTION BOOK OF 2025 • A CRIMEREADS BEST BOOK OF 2025
The natural enemy of a Korean is another Korean.
When North Korean spymaster Doha Kim is mysteriously killed in Oxford, his protégé, Yohan Kim, chases the only breadcrumb given to him in Doha’s last breath: “Soju Club, Dr. Ryu.” In the meantime, a Korean American CIA agent , Yunah Choi, races to salvage her investigation of the North Korean spy cell in the aftermath of the assassination. At the centre of it all is the Soju Club, the only Korean restaurant in Oxford, owned by Jihoon Lim, an immigrant from Seoul in search of a new life after suffering a tragedy. As different factions move in with their own agendas, their fates become entangled, resulting in a bitter struggle that will determine whose truth will triumph.
Oxford Soju Club weaves a tale of how immigrants in the Korean diaspora are forced to create identities to survive, and how in the end, they must shed those masks and seek their true selves.
Unpredictable, Moving, and Beautifully Told
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. From the very first page, it drew me in and held my attention until the very last word. The plot was engaging and unpredictable, I truly never knew what would happen next, which kept me eagerly turning the pages and on the edge of my seat throughout. What surprised me most, however, was how deeply I connected with the story on a personal level. As an Asian immigrant, I found myself relating to several of the characters in ways I did not expect. Their experiences, struggles, and emotions resonated with me, making the story feel even more meaningful. Beyond the storyline, the writing itself is beautiful. This is a book that entertains, moves, and inspires reflection. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
