Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, historical Korean romance has lots of big ideas.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BEHIND FIVE WILLOWS is a romance between two teens living in Korea in the late 1700s. Haewon is an avid reader, but since the king banned reading and writing novels, she secretly transcribes books for the underground bookstore in the village close to her home. While trying to get her younger sister out of trouble, she meets the handsome, wealthy, and very stuck-up Yu Seojun. Seojun could expose Haewon and her sister, ruining their lives and those of their whole family, but he doesn't. Why not? Both Haewon and Seojun have deep secrets, and a lot more in common than either could possibly imagine. Will they ever find a way to get along?
Is It Any Good?
This charming enemies-to-lovers historical romance is sure to make fans of Pride and Prejudice swoon and smile with delight. And Behind Five Willows has a lot more than romance to offer. It explores issues we still struggle with, like censorship and gender inequality, and makes a powerful argument for the benefits and joys of reading. Haewon's and Seojun's witty banter and some very funny secondary and minor characters offer plenty of chuckles and laughs, while their struggles and emotional growth add depth to the story—all while details about Korean history, language, and culture are woven into the story, providing a realistic sense of place and time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about banning books in Behind Five Willows. Why do rulers, governments, religious leaders, and other groups want to ban some books, both in the story and in real life today? How does it affect people who love and want to read? Is it an effective way to control the flow of information and ideas?
How do their strong communication skills, especially in writing, affect the relationship between Haewon and Seojun? Writing letters isn't very common any more, but should it be? What's good and bad about communicating via letters?
How does Haewon use courage to continue her transcribing work? How does Seojun find the courage to confront his father?
Women's lives are very restricted in this setting. What would it be like for you or a loved one to live the way Haewon does? Is it something you could survive?
Why does Haewon think reading novels is important and even good for you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel and Friends
- Publication date : May 25, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : June 9, 2026
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