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lesenilpferd's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Rape, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
anxiousnachos's review against another edition
3.0
Content warnings: domestic abuse, sexual harassment, rape, self harm, implied suicide, violence
Graphic: Violence, Domestic abuse, Self harm, Sexual harassment, Suicide, and Rape
biblioghoul's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Abandonment, and Self harm
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual harassment and Animal cruelty
heartcolored's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
I was utterly surprised by the ending and this is the first time I've encountered such a bizarre and unsettling way of dying. I feel like I won't be able to forget the ending even if I want to. Also, the ending further fueled my hatred for men. Seeing the photographer and Choi Hyunli live a normal life as if they didn't ruin San's life (who's now buried in the soil like the plants and flowers that she used to tend at the flower shop) angers me so much especially because it really happens in real life.
There are women out there whose trauma (caused by men) are only buried and repressed. They never see the light of day and that's the painful truth for the victims of assault, misogyny, and abuse. Lastly, I like the metaphor of the violets and the author's afterword made me appreciate the story even more.
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Death, Self harm, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Lesbophobia, and Rape
clara_mai's review against another edition
5.0
What I have to add is that I also really appreciated the afterword that Shin Kyung-sook wrote for this edition. She reflects on the novel, which was originally published in 2001, talks about the writing process and provides a bit of political context. Her comments on the protagonist San reinforced my feelings toward and connection with her as a character. Last but not least, the translation by Anton Hur is just beautiful. While reading I had the feeling that the translator must have really understood the themes and characters in order to convey the story in this way and the author apparently felt the same, because she remarks on Anton Hur's connection to the work in her afterword.
Graphic: Animal death, Self harm, and Misogyny
Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Blood and Suicidal thoughts
lisadakeii's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Moderate: Sexual harassment