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98hayley's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kalhixo's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I liked the depiction of the mental illness. and how it affected everyone. i did not catch on to the gravity of the child abuse quick enough. overall, good. though i am struggling to find the point of the book. surprising themes for a korean writer.
_emilyreadthat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
It’s a medium pace book that will have your jaw on the ground throughtout the story. The last 1/3 is reflective and insightful. The book speaks to the sort of self-cannibalism that comes from rejecting traditional performances of femininity. It reminds me of the character Sula from Morrison’s novel; she is a character that might be flawed but her actions exist within the harsh realities of how society has alienated her. The main charcter here similarly sees backlash for the reclamation of her autonomy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Death, and Sexual content
jacquelineneedstoreadslower's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Eating disorder, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
westernsunshine's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Medical content, Eating disorder, Rape, Medical trauma, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Mental illness, Self harm, Animal cruelty, and Animal death
amanda_serenity's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amybev18's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Strange. Not sure if I enjoyed it or not.
branson's review against another edition
2.0
The Vegetarian is about the tug between a "primal" self and a “refined” self. The latter is shaped by society and the pressures of family.
The prose and story are poetic, but I found that I was never fully pulled into the book.
Its message was not one I could relate to, and as an ultimatum, I don't enjoy seeing mental illness used as a device in this story. Even though the metaphor makes sense to me, I find it hard to accept mental illness as a likeness to primal, or even freeing side of self. I think mental health is something that deserves to be humanized, and viewed in a personal light, and I didn't feel that here.
This all being said, I would be interested to talk about this book with others. Perhaps it is one I simply didn't understand. Please reach out with your own takes!
So although I would love to hear what others would think, it is hard for me to recommend this as an enjoyable read.
The prose and story are poetic, but I found that I was never fully pulled into the book.
Its message was not one I could relate to, and as an ultimatum, I don't enjoy seeing mental illness used as a device in this story. Even though the metaphor makes sense to me, I find it hard to accept mental illness as a likeness to primal, or even freeing side of self. I think mental health is something that deserves to be humanized, and viewed in a personal light, and I didn't feel that here.
This all being said, I would be interested to talk about this book with others. Perhaps it is one I simply didn't understand. Please reach out with your own takes!
So although I would love to hear what others would think, it is hard for me to recommend this as an enjoyable read.
printedonvellum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25