June Hur writes it – I read it. It’s that easy. I was so, so happy when I was approved for an ARC of Behind Five Willows which is due to release in May 2026. It was promoted as Pride & Prejudice x You’ve Got Mail but in Joseon. Well, well, well, count me in.
Synopsis
As the dutiful second-eldest daughter of a poor family, society would have Haewon believe that her only hope of a decent life is to marry well. But during a time of rampant government censorship and book banning, she instead works as an illegal book transcriber in order to make a little extra money. It’s dangerous work, but she loves it – especially when she gets to transcribe the work of her favourite author, known as Black Lotus.
When her older sister becomes smitten with a wealthy young gentleman, Haewon is roped into chaperoning them during their courtship. Which wouldn’t be so terrible, if it weren’t for the young man’s uptight and annoying best friend who also accompanies them.
As the only son of a noble, Seojun has a lot expected of him. Wealth. Status. Respectability. Certainly not frivolous and often illicit activities such as reading fiction. But Seojun loves to do something even more scandalous: writing. He’s kept his work secret from his father and friends, but with each passing day, the pressure of being his father’s son and the dispiriting actions of the government make Seojun question the purpose of it all. The only thing keeping him going are the encouraging letters he receives from his transcriber, known only as Magpie.
When his best friend falls hard for a girl of lower social status, Seojun finds himself forced to act as chaperone to the infatuated couple – along with the girl’s younger sister, who is as irritating as she is judgmental. But as Haewon and Seojun spend more time together, they begin to suspect they may have judged each other too quickly . . .
Book: Behind Five Willows | Author: June Hur | Publisher: Wildfire | Release Date: 26.06.2026 | Genre: historical romance | Pages: 352
*note: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!*
Review
Get you a man who yearns like Yu Seojun does.
That’s it. That’s my review.
I mean, this could be my whole review but there’s so much more I liked about Behind Five Willows. For one, there was the family drama. It was both fun to read and serious for the family with unruly daughters, an exasperated mother and sometimes elder daughter, loving parents and generally a very caring household that always seemed to be busy. In contrast, the romance aspects was much softer and more quiet. It was indeed a slow burn romance but the yearning was excellent. I really liked how Seojun and Haewon bond over their shared love for books and literature but quickly learn more about each other and their lives and start caring for each other in earnest. I always love letters in books and this was no different, especially as those letters gave me a deeper understanding of the characters.
I also enjoyed the political aspect as well. Mixing history with romance and/or crime and family secrets is a thing June Hur really, really knows how to write. I am eating that up. Behind Five Willows has a bookshop in the centre of a story set during a time of very strict book cencorship. The characters must live with it, maneuver around it and follow their believes and passions despite of it. They are, by the law, criminals, yet they fight against the censorship in their own ways, cementing the importance of the written word. I also loved the aspect of transcribing as it puts another focus on the process of writing, lettering and script and how that is a craft of its own.
Another thing I liked about Behind Five Willows were the relationships between the women. There are the two sisters, Jade and Haewon, who love each other dearly even though they are very different. But it is clear from their actions as well as their conversations how deeply they care for each other. I also liked how the relationship with their mother was written, how it’s not always easy but how everyone just tries their best and despite everything, they are such a caring and loving family. Then there is also the aspect of friendship with different women around them, even through different social classes. Each female character had my heart immediately for different reasons.
I absolutely loved this fun yet political historical romance a lot even though it felt much shorter and quicker than June Hur’s previous works. Behind Five Willows is the perfect mix of Pride and Prejudice and Korean history, a quick and fun read that doesn’t lack depth and that I will definitely reread. If you like a man who yearns – this is your book.
Rating:
YOU MIGHT LIKE BEHIND FIVE WILLOWS IF YOU ENJOY…
yearning | slow burn romance | he falls first and harder | Pride & Prejudice | historical romance | chaotic but caring family | history | politics | good female relationships | letters | writing and reading | books about books
June Hur is one of my all time favourite authors. Have you ever read one of her books? (If not – seriously, what are you waiting for?
What’s the last historical novel you read? Do you enjoy historical romance? Do you still write letters to someone or have you ever written any?
Until next time,
