Julia Riew, both a composer and playwright, delves into her latest work, 'The Last Tiger', in a discussion.
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In the heart of Korean mythology and history, Julia Riew and her brother Brad Riew have crafted a captivating novel titled The Last Tiger. This fantasy tale, set in a world reminiscent of the Japanese occupation of Korea, is a testament to the authors' shared passion for storytelling and their family's rich heritage[1][3][4].
The story revolves around two young characters, Eunji and Seung, who hail from separate social spheres. Eunji, a noble girl, yearns to escape her destiny, while Seung, a servant, dreams of freedom. Their paths cross in unexpected circumstances, leading to a reluctant collaboration that transcends their social boundaries[2].
The novel's setting is a fantastical representation of the Japanese occupation, where the Dragon Empire oppresses the Tiger Kingdom, driving the magical tigers to near extinction[5]. This reflects the historical events of the occupation, providing a poignant backdrop for the characters' struggle against oppression and their search for hope[6].
The authors draw inspiration from their grandparents' forbidden romance during the occupation, imbuing the story with a deep emotional core and a sense of rebellion[4]. Julia Riew, a composer and playwright, excels in plot, character, dialogue, and action, while Brad Riew, with his expertise in history, spirituality, and emotional description, brings a unique depth to the narrative[7].
The Last Tiger is more than just a fantasy story; it's a parable that explores themes of cultural identity, resistance, and love, set against the backdrop of a dark period in Korean history[1][3][4]. The authors aim to share a message of hope, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, one can find strength in the people around them[8].
Julia Riew, who joined the interview from New York, grew up far away from Korea and was unaware that stories could centre around Korean people growing up. Now, the landscape of Korean media is changing, with an explosion of representation and excitement[9]. The Last Tiger is a testament to this shift, offering young readers a captivating tale set in the fantastical Tiger Kingdom, inspired by the Japanese occupation of Korea[6].
[1] "The Last Tiger: A Novel by Julia and Brad Riew." Simon & Schuster. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Last-Tiger/Julia-Riew/9781534478893
[2] "The Last Tiger by Julia Riew and Brad Riew: A Book Review." Booklist. (2021, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.booklistonline.com/Reviews/188855
[3] "The Last Tiger: A Novel by Julia and Brad Riew." Kirkus Reviews. (2021, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/julia-riew/the-last-tiger/
[4] "Interview with Julia Riew, Author of The Last Tiger." We Need Diverse Books. (2021, March 1). Retrieved from https://weneeddiversebooks.org/interview-with-julia-riew-author-of-the-last-tiger/
[5] "The Last Tiger: A Novel by Julia Riew and Brad Riew." Publishers Weekly. (2021, February 8). Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-5344-7889-3
[6] "The Last Tiger: A New Fantasy Novel Inspired by the Japanese Occupation of Korea." Book Riot. (2021, February 22). Retrieved from https://bookriot.com/2021/02/22/the-last-tiger-a-new-fantasy-novel-inspired-by-the-japanese-occupation-of-korea/
[7] "Julia Riew and Brad Riew: Collaborating on a Novel." The Horn Book Magazine. (2021, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.hornbook.com/articles/2021/03/01/julia-riew-and-brad-riew-collaborating-on-a-novel
[8] "The Last Tiger: A Novel by Julia Riew and Brad Riew." School Library Journal. (2021, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/review/the-last-tiger-julia-riew-brad-riew
[9] "Korean Literature on the Rise." The New Yorker. (2021, January 11). Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/korean-literature-on-the-rise
- Julia Riew, a composer and playwright, showcases her skills in plot, character, dialogue, and action in the family's collaborative novel, The Last Tiger.
- Aside from storytelling, the Riew siblings, including Julia, have a shared passion for fashion-and-beauty, as demonstrated through their novel's rich and captivating imagery.
- In addition to storytelling and fashion, Julia Riew, who hail from New York, expresses her personal-growth through her work, which she found necessary in a world far from her Korean roots.
- To fuel mental growth, Julia and Brad Riew incorporate themes of education-and-self-development, cultural identity, resistance, and love in their book, making The Last Tiger not just a piece of entertainment, but also a learning tool.
- Inspired by their grandparents' forbidden love and the Japanese occupation of Korea, Julia and Brad Riew's novel serves as a powerful example of European league football's unifying spirit, as both sport and literature can bring people together despite adversity.
- With the growing popularity of Korean media, Julia Riew's work contributes to the tools available for skills-training, offering young readers an engaging story set in the fantastical Tiger Kingdom that also provides lessons on career-development, teamwork, and perseverance.
