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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
im something of a madwoman myself
—
this book had some genuinely stunning prose, and even uncomfortable moments were written in such a delicate and artful way. the depiction of madness was beautifully heartbreaking.
i only wish that we had seen more from in-hye’s perspective, a complex character who, in my eyes, is the true victim of this novel. a mother who realises she hasn’t truly lived, watching her sister break free from the constraints they both face while she herself feels she could never do the same, working hard to provide for her family, protecting her younger sister, shouldering all burdens a woman must face in life. still, she cannot go “mad” as her younger sister does. she still has to continue, despite it all. yeong-hye, too, is a victim of the circumstances, of her mind, but in-hye seems to suffer this and more.
the author’s decision to narrate most of the novel from the male perspective is a pretty traditional method when criticising the patriarchy and the male gaze, so i can agree with some who feel it’s less than necessary. still, the depiction is artful and depressing, a blasé narration of some arguably awful men watching the women in their life suffer and still acting like they suffer more. the male narration of their female counterparts is morbidly fascinating, and frightening.
overall, the novel artfully handles the society women live in today, with a compelling plot that watches the progression of mental illness and how it digs its claws into every single witness. the video art section was probably my favourite part, despite the adultery and objectification. i found myself honestly taken by the description of the colours and flowers.
10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone
—
this book had some genuinely stunning prose, and even uncomfortable moments were written in such a delicate and artful way. the depiction of madness was beautifully heartbreaking.
i only wish that we had seen more from in-hye’s perspective, a complex character who, in my eyes, is the true victim of this novel. a mother who realises she hasn’t truly lived, watching her sister break free from the constraints they both face while she herself feels she could never do the same, working hard to provide for her family, protecting her younger sister, shouldering all burdens a woman must face in life. still, she cannot go “mad” as her younger sister does. she still has to continue, despite it all. yeong-hye, too, is a victim of the circumstances, of her mind, but in-hye seems to suffer this and more.
the author’s decision to narrate most of the novel from the male perspective is a pretty traditional method when criticising the patriarchy and the male gaze, so i can agree with some who feel it’s less than necessary. still, the depiction is artful and depressing, a blasé narration of some arguably awful men watching the women in their life suffer and still acting like they suffer more. the male narration of their female counterparts is morbidly fascinating, and frightening.
overall, the novel artfully handles the society women live in today, with a compelling plot that watches the progression of mental illness and how it digs its claws into every single witness. the video art section was probably my favourite part, despite the adultery and objectification. i found myself honestly taken by the description of the colours and flowers.
10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone
challenging
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Rape
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think my problems with this book arise mostly from wrong expectations. The book starts interesting enough but I was thoroughly disappointed by the resolution.
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A challenging and dark read but worth the effort.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
intense and heavy! very interesting seeing the different perspectives! glad i had some knowledge of the culture in south korea before reading