Book review: Hello Baby by Kim Eui-kyung
Genre: Literary fiction
Release date: August 18, 2026
Goodreads rating: 3.54
My rating: 3.5
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I sometimes feel like jumping into a book that will take me into an experience and culture I know less about, and Hello Baby immediately caught my attention with its focus on IVF and motherhood in Korea.
The story follows six women who meet at a fertility clinic in Seoul and form a group chat to support one another through their IVF journey. When one of their members suddenly announces she gave birth following a long absence from the group chat, questions arise.
I liked that the story delved deeply into the backstory and perspectives of all six women, showing how differently women can experience the same journey. Some have supportive partners, others face enormous family pressure, and their financial and personal circumstances all affect them differently as well.
It was also interesting to learn about the cultural expectations and taboos surrounding infertility and motherhood in Korea.
At the heart of the novel is the mystery surrounding the arrival of the unexpected baby. Is it only a coincidence that this baby announcement came on the same day that a baby was kidnapped at a local hospital? This mystery becomes a way of exploring just how far desperation, grief and the pressure to become a mother can push someone.
Literary fiction lovers will love delving into this character-focussed novel.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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