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allthatissim's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Kim Jiyoung is me. Kim Jiyoung is almost every woman around me. Kim Jiyoung is the sum total of all the prejudices and hardships a woman has to endure in this patriarchal society!
Set in Korea, this story is not unique per day. You might have read many stories talking about patriarchy, sexism and feminism. What is unique though is it’s backed up by statistical data from the country. Throughout this Novella, I didn’t feel like I was reading the experiences of Korean women and sexism and gender discrimination they face in day-to-day life — be it be their home, education or work environment — but rather my own and so many other women. The intensity might be different, but it is all there rooted in the society.
I don’t have a brother, we are two sisters. And since childhood, I have seen the various reactions of people when they hear that there is no son. Like Jiyoung, I have seen the male members of the family getting the first servings, better things. It is not unusual and so deeply rooted that even I am ingrown in those customs.
The things we hear in schools, the discrimination we face in the working environment, and the expectations of us as a mother, are all too well similar to that of Jiyoung. Sure we have come a long way as a country, but still we have such a long path ahead of us to travel.
Jiyoung’s story is a cry for help, to make society understand the way it has been/is treating women. The ending brings the story to a full circle; it ended where it started. Cho Nam-Joo’s writing isn’t extraordinary per se, but it will enrage you and will make you see Jiyoung as yourself.
Give this book to men in your lives, give this to your sons, give this to women, for it is a reflection of the society we live in and the work we still need to do to gain gender equality.
#kimjiyoungborn1982 #koreanliterature #chonamjoo
Set in Korea, this story is not unique per day. You might have read many stories talking about patriarchy, sexism and feminism. What is unique though is it’s backed up by statistical data from the country. Throughout this Novella, I didn’t feel like I was reading the experiences of Korean women and sexism and gender discrimination they face in day-to-day life — be it be their home, education or work environment — but rather my own and so many other women. The intensity might be different, but it is all there rooted in the society.
I don’t have a brother, we are two sisters. And since childhood, I have seen the various reactions of people when they hear that there is no son. Like Jiyoung, I have seen the male members of the family getting the first servings, better things. It is not unusual and so deeply rooted that even I am ingrown in those customs.
The things we hear in schools, the discrimination we face in the working environment, and the expectations of us as a mother, are all too well similar to that of Jiyoung. Sure we have come a long way as a country, but still we have such a long path ahead of us to travel.
Jiyoung’s story is a cry for help, to make society understand the way it has been/is treating women. The ending brings the story to a full circle; it ended where it started. Cho Nam-Joo’s writing isn’t extraordinary per se, but it will enrage you and will make you see Jiyoung as yourself.
Give this book to men in your lives, give this to your sons, give this to women, for it is a reflection of the society we live in and the work we still need to do to gain gender equality.
#kimjiyoungborn1982 #koreanliterature #chonamjoo
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual harassment
trogers71's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Racism, and Sexism
thedisabledreader's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
deadeye's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical content, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Mental illness
Moderate: Racism and Alcohol
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