CHEON SUN-RAN

Books

A THOUSAND BLUES

World rights to Transworld

TV/film rights to Warner Brothers

Sold in Japan, Taiwan, Germany, and China

Korea/Changbi (2022)

Translated by Chi-Young Kim

Set in the near future when humanoid robots are integrated into daily life, A THOUSAND

BLUES is an anthem to human connection, empathy, and care. Critiquing societal pressures that prioritize mainstream wins and successes, efficiencies, and inclusion in name only, this gem of a novel suggests that life is for reveling in tiny, joyful moments, trying new things, and caring for one another.

Friendships are forged among the humanoid robot jockey Collie, who decides to fall off the champion racehorse Today mid-race for the wellbeing of the exhausted animal; the snarky, guarded high school robotics whiz Yeonjae, who fixes Collie after the fall; her outgoing and insistent high school classmate Jisu, who demonstrates to Yeonjae how to show up for someone; and Yeonjae’s older sister Eunhye, a stoic, quiet wheelchair user obsessed with horses.

Spurred by Collie’s inquisitive presence, the three girls figure out how to open up to one another. When they learn about plans to euthanize Today, the four cook up a plan to save the horse with the help of like-minded adults at the racetrack.

Propulsive and poignant, A THOUSAND BLUES is a thrilling story about love and hope.