May Book Club - The Disaster Tourist by Yun Ko-eun
In May, we’re reading The Disaster Tourist — a sharp, satirical novel that explores dark tourism, climate change, and the unsettling ways capitalism turns even catastrophe into a product. It’s a timely and thought-provoking reminder to reflect on how and why we travel, and what we consume in the process.
Join us for a discussion that touches on ethical travel, late-stage capitalism, and the absurdities of modern life.
Please note that this space is reserved for women, trans, non-binary and genderqueer folk.
Date & Time: Saturday 17 May, 11am-1pm
Location: Shepherd’s Bush
About the book
An eco-thriller with a fierce feminist sensibility, The Disaster Tourist by Korean author Yun Ko-eun tackles climate activism, dark tourism, and the #MeToo movement with biting social commentary.
Yona has been stuck behind a desk for years working as a programming coordinator for Jungle, a travel company specialising in package holidays to destinations ravaged by disaster. When a senior colleague touches her inappropriately she tries to complain, and in an attempt to bury her allegations, the company make her an attractive proposition: a free ticket for one of their most sought-after trips, to the desert island of Mui.
She accepts the offer and travels to the remote island, where the major attraction is a supposedly-dramatic sinkhole. When the customers who've paid a premium for the trip begin to get frustrated, Yona realises that the company has dangerous plans to fabricate an environmental catastrophe to make the trip more interesting, but when she tries to raise the alarm, she discovers she has put her own life in danger. (Goodreads)
Available from Waterstones at £9.99. 200 pages.
🎟️ Tickets are non-refundable and cover facilitation and platform costs. Please consider before purchasing.
🤐 Spoiler alert: We encourage you to read the book before attending!
We’re committed to making the book club inclusive! If you need assistance with the ticket fee, email us at eseabookclub@gmail.com. PDF copies are available (ticket purchase required first).