Laundromat tale: the magic of ordinary spaces and meaningful connections

'I hope that after people read 'Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat', they will have a window in their hearts through which a comforting breeze can blow through,' says Kim Jiyun, who was in Kuala Lumpur recently for a book tour. Photo: The Star/Faihan Ghani

In a modern world filled with digital screens and surface-level connections, it’s easy to feel like you’re all alone in your troubles.

But in South Korean author Kim Jiyun’s debut novel Yeonnam-dong’s Smiley Laundromat, we get the refreshing reminder of the importance of showing compassion and empathy to others, as you never know what difficulties they may be going through.