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sketchydelusion's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
soffemf's review against another edition
dark
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
3.25
It was a bit too descriptive imo, that it became unnecessarily long. It has an impactful ending; the type of book you would need to read again to achieve its impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
nileplin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
“I wonder: Is this your first time hearing this cry? This cry, which for centuries was never given an ear, or a means to be heard”
the whole book felt like a hazy memory in the best way possible, i really like the writing style but got bored at times.
the whole book felt like a hazy memory in the best way possible, i really like the writing style but got bored at times.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Rape
beccaruthe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Death of parent, and Rape
fgr's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
lovleephtogrl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
garanciels's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
lesenilpferd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Rape, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
anxiousnachos's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
A and delicate novel that I never really quite got into? It’s very reflective and literary, but I struggled to push through it.
Content warnings: domestic abuse, sexual harassment, rape, self harm, implied suicide, violence
Content warnings: domestic abuse, sexual harassment, rape, self harm, implied suicide, violence
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Suicide, and Rape
murmredmusings's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Translated from the original Korean, Violets gives the reader a look into the complexities of not only San’s life but offers a reflection on mental illness, violence, and loneliness.
The novel starts with the tragic upbringing of Oh San and her dysfunctional family that one by one abandons her for their own gain. A defining moment with her only friend, Namae in the minari field they grew up near also leads to Namae distancing herself from San. Leaving her all alone.
Years later she finds herself working in a flower shop with a mute boss and assertive coworker who she becomes fast friends and roommates with. This work is definitely more character-driven rather than plot-driven.
This is the first work by Shin that I have read and I can understand all the hype about her distinct language. Her writing is incredible. The language is soft-spoken and subtle in its exploration of loneliness and desire for something else. Something more. Definitely more for the woman in Korean society. She exposes toxic masculinity and depicts the neglect women face and how easy it is for them to be targeted and violated.
Thanks to Anton Hur’s wonderful translation, this voice carries from the original Korean.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Self harm
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape