Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

618 reviews

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

A highly disturbing book, original in its darkness and really well written. Whilst it is a great read, please turn to this book when you are in a good state of mind - as it presents so many TW. Stay safe and enjoy reading x

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challenging dark mysterious tense
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark emotional reflective tense fast-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

REPRESENTATION 
Korean cast, mental health 

QUOTE 
“The feeling that she had never really lived in this world caught her by surprise. It was a fact. She had never lived. Even as a child, as far back as she could remember, she had done nothing but endure. She had believed in her own inherent goodness, her humanity, and lived accordingly, never causing anyone harm. Her devotion to doing things the right way had been unflagging, all her successes had depended on it, and she would have gone on like that indefinitely. She didn't understand why, but faced with those decaying buildings and straggling grasses, she was nothing but a child who had never lived.” 

WHAT I ENJOYED 
  • the violence and weirdness → it took me a little aback at first, but I’m here for it!
  • the underlying message (and no, this is not a book about vegetarianism)
  • the different POVs allow us to see the story from different perspectives but also contribute to the idea that the MC does not have a voice
  • it’s a beautifully written book, even when it’s ugly
  • the way it stuck on the back of my head and does not let me go
  • I know it’s a book that I’m gonna enjoy even more the second time around

WHAT I DIDN'T ENJOY
  • very, very minor but there were points, especially in the dreams sections, where it became a bit confusing for me

READ IF YOU ENJOY
  • character-focused books
  • a dark, bizarre and disturbing vibe
  • unhinged women
  • hidden meanings
  • different views on life
  • non-lovable and flawed characters
  • underlying critics of sexist societies

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark tense medium-paced
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

Wasn’t sure what I was expecting with this one, but my expectations were certainly not met. The graphic depictions of rape, abuse, and mental illness were too much for me, and the ending was far from redeeming. I understand the point the author was trying to make, but the male perspective was deeply uncomfortable. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings