A collection of essays that comprises short yet deep contemplations on life, literature, and art. As readers, we see ourselves in the author as she finds simple pleasures and discovers beauty at the heart of her lonesome life. The author writes of “some place,” from which she has gone so far away that she cannot return, and of “someone,” who remains only in her memory, and for whom she longs. She discusses life by relating memories from her youth, which always entail poverty and loneliness, her life as a woman, which presented a rough path, and the road she has been traveling as an artist.

This book exposes the author’s deep affection and passion for literature. This is apparent in her confession that her own essence is in fiction. Society’s perception is cold, and the author is hurt by close people suggesting that she write for television rather than “unprofitable fiction.” (“The Slug Moves”) She commiserates with a fellow author, who is suffering as she is about to complete her first full-length novel, and swears that she “would never again write a novel.” (“A Season at the Toji Cultural Foundation”). Jung writes line by line, hoping to imbue each with integrity.

As a young student, Jung once impulsively used the money for her school administrative fee to purchase a world literature anthology set. She remembers running to the library at every recess. Jung now contemplates reality with the eyes of an author, for example, observing in horror the plagiarism case of author Shin Kyung-sook. Jung is making every effort to write passages that she is proud to present to readers. In the essay titled “Disapproval of Plagiarism,” the author writes about the honesty that a creative person must possess, and the courage to firmly reject the temptation of plagiarism.