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A review by shay_talksbooks
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a translated work (South Korea) of 'feminist' literary fiction about a woman who suddenly start acting strangely, and everything that led her to this moment.
This book really captured the insidious nature of sexism is a way I haven't come across before. It recounted Jiyoung's life, from birth to present, and it caught the gradual 'drip drip' of comments, actions and moments that build and build across the years so well. It brought up a lot of thoughts about systemic misogyny and the psychological toll and long-term effects it has on women.
The writing was quite stark, but that really worked for this story, and the 'no frills' approach meant that the story didn't pull it's punches. It was an understated, but very loud, roar at the patriarchy and was incredibly thought-provoking and unexpectedly emotionally hard-hitting. I'll be thinking about it for a while!
This book really captured the insidious nature of sexism is a way I haven't come across before. It recounted Jiyoung's life, from birth to present, and it caught the gradual 'drip drip' of comments, actions and moments that build and build across the years so well. It brought up a lot of thoughts about systemic misogyny and the psychological toll and long-term effects it has on women.
The writing was quite stark, but that really worked for this story, and the 'no frills' approach meant that the story didn't pull it's punches. It was an understated, but very loud, roar at the patriarchy and was incredibly thought-provoking and unexpectedly emotionally hard-hitting. I'll be thinking about it for a while!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual harassment