Jihae Kim's 'Beasts of a Little Land' is a sweeping historical epic set against the tumultuous backdrop of Korea under Japanese colonial rule, spanning from 1917 to the 1960s. The novel intricately weaves together the fates of a young courtesan, a street urchin, an independence fighter, and a Japanese officer, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. It explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring human spirit amidst political upheaval and societal change. Kim masterfully brings to life a pivotal period in Korean history through the deeply personal struggles of her characters, offering a powerful narrative of survival and hope.