The Age of S Sisters is Jo Hwajin’s full-length novel set in the 1970s, revolving around Suja, an adolescent girl who experiences the challenges of growing up and establishes her identity through the relationship with the so-called “S Sisters.”

The term “S Sisters” is derived from “step-sisters” or suyang eonni (foster sisters), indicating girls who are as close as real siblings. In the 1970s, having S Sisters in a neighborhood or school was a prevailing trend. Teens would publicly seek out their sisters, declare their relationships, and proudly display their friendships.

The Age of S Sisters encompasses multiple stories involving Suja and her S Sisters, capturing the essence of the culture of that time. Suja’s older sister Sui, who left for university in Seoul; Jeongsun, her foster sister working in domestic service at Suja’s house; Yugyeong, her best friend with a talent for writing; Seunghee, a homeschooling tutor and graduate of a prestigious wo One day in the 1970s, amid the trend of bell-bottoms and miniskirts, the construction of high-rises, and the promotion of the New Village Movement, Suja entered middle school. Her rapid physical growth confuses her, leading her to adopt a cynical attitude toward everything. While her peers eagerly seek friendships, much like peacocks seeking mates, Yugyeong, who is quiet, calm, and unapproachable, catches her eye. Suja reaches out to her, and they become best friends. Despite facing jealousy from her other friends, Suja continues her friendship with Yugyeong and learns a secret that Yugyeong is reluctant to reveal.

men's university; and a lady who works for a small shop but aspiring to become a writer. In Suja's eyes, these women walk through their lives, either conforming to or defying the prejudices of the times. As she stands on the threshold of adulthood, how do her sisters’ paths appear to her, and what path does she decide to take? Suja, a middle school student undergoing changes both in body and mind, moves forward with her sisters with vague fears and expectations of the adult world. Along the way, she experiences various social and psychological growing pains—admiration, jealousy, cynicism, intimacy, resignation, and pleasure—ultimately establishing her own identity.

Adolescence is a period of rapid change, for girls, marked by the significant and often shocking experience of first menstruation. Suja’s story encapsulates this transformative period, and the onset of menarche signifies the commencement of her journey into womanhood. This universal chaos is an experience shared by all women. The author delicately portrays this female rite of passage through the sensitive eyes of Suja, a middle school girl who loves reading and writing. Confronting the changes that signal her transition to womanhood and adulthood, Suja turns to her sisters who have traversed this path before her, observing their journeys as they navigate new directions in life. These sisters, constrained by abusive fathers and a societal expectation that confines women to stereotypical roles centered around successful marriage, face challenges. Some are unable to step into society despite their brilliant talents and are compelled to stay at home. In a patriarchal and violent world that limits their opportunities, Suja documents this process in her diary. Combined with her imagination, these records transform into a novel, opening up a world of possibilities they could have lived. Through the firsthand account of middle school girl Suja, S Eonni SidaeI (The Age of S Sisters) reflects on our society in the 1970s, when social prejudice and violence against women were pervasive and accepted as the norm, while also offering insights into the present.

What led to the emergence of the sisterhood culture in the 1970s? The phenomenon was fueled, in part, by the prevalence of foster parents and foster children. However, a more profound reason lies in the word “sister” itself, which forged a robust connection among vulnerable young girls navigating adolescence, where friendships are highly valued. This sisterhood served as a comforting assurance to these young girls that they were not alone in the face of patriarchy. It enabled them to stand as witnesses for each other against injustice and provided support for their individual lives. While their destinies may not have led to glorious achievements, hindered by the constraints of their time, their message of solidarity transcending mere friendship persists and resonates with readers today.

Jo Hwajin started her writing career when her short story Gil Wieseo (On the Road) won the Annual Spring Literary Award hosted by Gyeongnam Newspaper. Her laptop is brimming with manuscripts of various genres, including travel essays, romance novels, short stories, and lyrics. She is a fan of indie films and an avid traveler, and her lifelong love for reading lays the groundwork for her fiction writing. She has published novels Joyonghan Bam (A Silent Night), Pungseoneul Bureobwa (Blow the Balloon), and Kaerieo Kkeulgi (Draw the Carrier), the last of which earned a place on ARKO’s book list.