Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo

215 reviews

sangsmiles's review against another edition

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challenging informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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isabezza's review against another edition

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emotional informative

5.0

I did not know what to expect from this book and I am really pleased I picked it up. This book was a very informative and emotional read about gender inequality in Korea from 1982 to the present day. About the life of a mother, Kim Jiyoung, experiencing "strange" representations of mental illness, this book is divided into the eras of her life where readers (particularly those from other cultural backgrounds, such as myself in England) learn the processes of life in Korea as a woman; life influenced by misogynistic laws and expectations. Not only was this book well-researched (with footnotes included in every chapter) and interesting, the language was moving and engaging. I believe it was an important structural choice to write this fictional story within the context of real Korean historical changes because it likely emulates with and represents the livelihoods of many Korean women today, which provided an additional emotional layer to the reading process. The twist in narrative POV in the final chapter was also illuminating, offering a more diverse range of perspectives on the same topic. I could not praise this book more, if you are debating reading it - read it!!

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navayiota's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It's not often that a book strikes you. This book struck me, a perfectly worded criticism of society's attitude towards women. The author triggered emotions in me that were unpleasant and unwelcome, but that I have to analyse eventually, because the world will never let me forget them. I am appalled, yet again, by the actions of people who see others as toys to abuse and throw away once we are no longer of use. I got chills at the ending. This should be essential reading. I'll be visiting more of Cho Nam-Joo's bibliography in the future.

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creamsoda8's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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anananan's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A beautiful mix of fictional narration and factual information
Beautiful pace and the reveal of the pov is the cherry on top
Omg the fucking ending!!!! Not only did the male doctor relate his own wife to her psychotic patient, but he did not learn form it!!!!! WTFFFFFF IT MAKES MY BLOOD BOIL
A recommend to anyone i know
Understood why it was controversial, the hierarchy of gender in workplace, very sensitive topics for the very men-centered society: politics and capitalism
Really appreciate the footnotes

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flisss's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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hannaemilia's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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suereadsslow's review against another edition

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informative reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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lunxchloe's review against another edition

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emotional informative reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

She's Kim Jiyoung, she's me, she's you. While a fictional story, the experience of Jiyoung is very real. This book left me angry, shaking my head, defeated and sad. The ending was just the icing on the cake.

The writing and the story itself might not be captivating, but it's the way that any woman relates to Jiyoung's and her female peers' experiences that makes this a very moving story.

4.25*/5

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jtpgdavey's review against another edition

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informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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