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adammm's review
4.0
Having read the critical analysis at the end of this story, as well as some analysis found online, I find it curious that Yi Mun-yol is considered to be a "conservative" intellectual. His account of soldiers on a train in the 1980s is very fascinating. While this story in particular may not be as subversive as other literature of the time, it feels as if Yi out-subversed the subverse, by depicting both sides as equally grotesque and unpleasant. Only those who close their eyes to the so-called "war-zone" around them can avoid being immersed in violence. But by closing yours eyes, or sleeping as the eponymous Pilon's pig, one cannot provoke change. It's a conundrum: fighting for one's rights, betraying your own, working for the "man" - all of these actions can result in violence, whereas doing nothing and accepting the status quo results only in the safety of one's physical self, if not one's mind.
While I may not be as well-read in Korean literature yet as I'd like, this is a fascinating read, probably one of the most interesting Korean books I've read yet. The portrayal of the moral dilemma at the heart of the story is one that makes this story stand out, and - in my admittedly western-biased opinion - shows how subversive this author can be. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
While I may not be as well-read in Korean literature yet as I'd like, this is a fascinating read, probably one of the most interesting Korean books I've read yet. The portrayal of the moral dilemma at the heart of the story is one that makes this story stand out, and - in my admittedly western-biased opinion - shows how subversive this author can be. I look forward to reading more stories by this author.
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