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princessazulaa 's review for:
Human Acts
by Han Kang
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a truly sobering book. I think that the intertwining of the lives of all the narrators with the first narrator, Dong-ho, was a very impactful way in which to stitch the story together. I think that the author and the translator did a fantastic job of capturing the horror of the Gwangju Massacre and the long term affects it had on a community. Some of the stories of the characters were especially haunting.
As someone who studied genocide and mass atrocities this book was very stark reminder of the cruelty of people. I think beyond its purpose of educating people about the Gwangju Massacre and modern Korean politics and history, it is extremely insightful into the psychology of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. A lot of the content of the book surrounding the characters’ experience during the uprising and in its aftermath is very reflective of the stories of people who experienced similar violence. Furthermore, the discussions of grief and hope were very beautiful.
I know that books that talk about these kinds of violence and traumas, and that navigate grief can be very hard to read. But I personally love to be challenged to confront what grief and hope and fear means. I find it to be very human. This is one of those books that will always be in the back of my mind, making me reflect on the world around me as well as my own life.
As someone who studied genocide and mass atrocities this book was very stark reminder of the cruelty of people. I think beyond its purpose of educating people about the Gwangju Massacre and modern Korean politics and history, it is extremely insightful into the psychology of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. A lot of the content of the book surrounding the characters’ experience during the uprising and in its aftermath is very reflective of the stories of people who experienced similar violence. Furthermore, the discussions of grief and hope were very beautiful.
I know that books that talk about these kinds of violence and traumas, and that navigate grief can be very hard to read. But I personally love to be challenged to confront what grief and hope and fear means. I find it to be very human. This is one of those books that will always be in the back of my mind, making me reflect on the world around me as well as my own life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Infertility, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Excrement, Death of parent
Minor: Genocide