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A review by bestsoph123
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
SPOILERS FOR EVERYTHING
Overall, I really liked the book for its strong parts on detailing Korean society, the role of women and the deterioration of Yeong-Hye. I feel for her because nobody cared to fully understand what she was going through and what her dreams were, they just wanted to use her for their own advantage, except maybe In-hye. I really like the writing style too, it emerses you into what the characters are thinking and feeling.
Overall, what brings it down for me is the mention of animal abuse in a dream was completely unnecessary and it didn’t add to the plot, imo. That’s one of the only dreams that gets shown, and I just feel like it could’ve been done in a better way yk?
Additionally what let it down was the whole Yeong-Hye fetish/sister-in-law trope. I understand why it’s there, it’s In-Hye’s husband’s motivation, but at times it kinda felt too weird…? I think that’s just me though.
I also thought that at the end when In-Hye’s husband sneaks in after they’ve broken up and rapes her and then never comes back was really weird? It didn’t add anything and I was genuinely confused on why it was there.
Overall, I enjoyed it, and would recommend to read, but uf you’re sensitive to animal abuse, rape etc, I wouldn’t.
Overall, I really liked the book for its strong parts on detailing Korean society, the role of women and the deterioration of Yeong-Hye. I feel for her because nobody cared to fully understand what she was going through and what her dreams were, they just wanted to use her for their own advantage, except maybe In-hye. I really like the writing style too, it emerses you into what the characters are thinking and feeling.
Overall, what brings it down for me is the mention of animal abuse in a dream was completely unnecessary and it didn’t add to the plot, imo. That’s one of the only dreams that gets shown, and I just feel like it could’ve been done in a better way yk?
Additionally what let it down was the whole Yeong-Hye fetish/sister-in-law trope. I understand why it’s there, it’s In-Hye’s husband’s motivation, but at times it kinda felt too weird…? I think that’s just me though.
I also thought that at the end when In-Hye’s husband sneaks in after they’ve broken up and rapes her and then never comes back was really weird? It didn’t add anything and I was genuinely confused on why it was there.
Overall, I enjoyed it, and would recommend to read, but uf you’re sensitive to animal abuse, rape etc, I wouldn’t.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Vomit, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Confinement, Gore, and Blood