On the Balance Beam

The new novel from the author of Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Once Ko Mani dreamt of becoming a professional gymnast. Life, however, had other plans for her. Today she has an office job and lives with her parents in the same house and poor part of Seoul in which she grew up.

When she unexpectedly finds herself out of work, however, her old ambitions resurface. At the same time property developers start to show an interest in the local area and her mother sniffs an opportunity for her family to finally slip the chains of poverty.

Exploring the fine line we all tread between dreams and reality, in On the Balance Beam Cho Nam-Joo tells the story of an ordinary Korean family, capturing their moments of pain, frustration, resilience and love.

Praise for Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

'It describes experiences that will be recognisable everywhere. It’s slim, unadorned narrative distils a lifetime’s iniquities into a sharp punch.’ The Sunday Times

‘A ground-breaking work of feminist fiction’ Stylist

‘Along with other socially critical narratives to come out of Korea, such as Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film Parasite, her story could change the bigger one.’ The Guardian

'This witty, disturbing book deals with sexism, mental health issues and the hypocrisy of a country where young women are “popping caffeine pills and turning jaundiced” as they slave away in factories helping to fund higher education for male siblings.' The Independent

'Enthralling and enraging.' Sunday Express

‘Cho’s moving, witty and powerful novel forces us to face our reality, in which one woman is seen, pretty much, as interchangeable with any other. There’s a logic to Kim Jiyoung’s shape-shifting: she could be anybody.’ Daily Telegraph