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crybabybea's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
My first time reading literary fiction, and my first time reading a translated work. I picked this up after reading Flowers of Fire and learning that it was one of the first novels published in South Korea written by a woman, about a woman, critiquing patriarchal society.
Following Kim Jiyoung's story was heartbreaking, and made even more emotional with the understanding that her fictional experience was common, if not milder, than what most women in South Korea experience. The misogyny she faces starts early and gets worse as she ages, and as a reader, all you can do is watch as it compounds upon her and drives her to madness.
I liked how this was written, with an interesting narrator whose identity is only revealed at the end, and for my first piece of literary fiction, I'm really satisfied that I chose this, and it's sparked for me an interest in literary fiction and translated works.
Following Kim Jiyoung's story was heartbreaking, and made even more emotional with the understanding that her fictional experience was common, if not milder, than what most women in South Korea experience. The misogyny she faces starts early and gets worse as she ages, and as a reader, all you can do is watch as it compounds upon her and drives her to madness.
I liked how this was written, with an interesting narrator whose identity is only revealed at the end, and for my first piece of literary fiction, I'm really satisfied that I chose this, and it's sparked for me an interest in literary fiction and translated works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Stalking, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
eviltwin92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Mental illness, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion and Miscarriage
lemonyanne's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Great piece of feminist semi-autobiographical work that has clearly been a huge influence in Korean thought towards women, work and motherhood
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
Minor: Medical trauma and Pregnancy
meshuganush's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I found this book to be a really good depiction of the rampant and pervasive sexism in everyday life and actions that women have to put up with, deal with and make excuses for. It was really well done and as a compliment to the book and meant in the best possible way the word I can beat use for describing this book is demoralizing.
Possible spoiler:
The ending was absolutely heart wrenching and did and excellent job of amplifying the message of the book.
Possible spoiler:
The ending was absolutely heart wrenching and did and excellent job of amplifying the message of the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Abortion, and Alcohol
guacamolejoe's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Damn man. This book left my chest feeling so heavy. Not excited to be a working mom one day 😩
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
crm00's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
sangsmiles's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual assault and Mental illness
anananan's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Stalking, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Miscarriage
hannaemilia's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault and Mental illness
Minor: Miscarriage and Abortion
notthatcosta's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
3.75
A visceral insight into the life of a 'normal' woman living a 'normal life' in South Korea, and how gendered experiences of inequity and neglect can chip away at a persons' psyche. There is so much care put into crafting the mundanity that masks the horrors of the story.
As a queer man who doesn't want children, it was humbling to read about the toll just living and existing in 'regular' society can take, even in a different geographical context.
So much about South Korea is romanticised through a Western lens, so it was interesting to read this perspective, even if it doesn't necessarily speak for everyone (obviously).
As a queer man who doesn't want children, it was humbling to read about the toll just living and existing in 'regular' society can take, even in a different geographical context.
So much about South Korea is romanticised through a Western lens, so it was interesting to read this perspective, even if it doesn't necessarily speak for everyone (obviously).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Stalking, Pregnancy, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny