A review by sdloomer
The Vegetarian by Han Kang

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I really don't know what to make of this, but I don't think it's a bad thing. There are obvious themes of misogyny and gender inequality inherent to Han Kang's works--as well as a low undercurrent of barely-restrained violence--but unlike her previous novel I read, Human Acts, I am really unsure of how to organize my thoughts on this one.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Medical content, Schizophrenia/Psychosis

Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Ableism, Animal death