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A review by k80thompson
Human Acts by Han Kang
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I think that while this is an undisputedly important book in that it brings to light historical atrocities while questioning the depths of what it can be to be human- the flow, dictation, and clarity of reason is lacking.
It may have something to do with aspects of the original writing being relatively untranslatable to the English language…
It was gruesome overall and very depressing which made it inherently a difficult read for me. I also found myself a bit lost at what the author was trying to express sometimes and deterred by some of the style of writing chosen for the different voices.
It was an interesting idea to use varying writing styles for the multiple narrators, but it also made the book less coherent - which I understand is ultimately reflective of the actual history. This massacre was buried and hard to find information on & so it is also in this book.
Can the past save the present? And can the dead save the living?
Humans are capable of committing extreme atrocities, heroics, emotions. It is what we inflict upon others and what scars us inside that affects the future.
It may have something to do with aspects of the original writing being relatively untranslatable to the English language…
It was gruesome overall and very depressing which made it inherently a difficult read for me. I also found myself a bit lost at what the author was trying to express sometimes and deterred by some of the style of writing chosen for the different voices.
It was an interesting idea to use varying writing styles for the multiple narrators, but it also made the book less coherent - which I understand is ultimately reflective of the actual history. This massacre was buried and hard to find information on & so it is also in this book.
Can the past save the present? And can the dead save the living?
Humans are capable of committing extreme atrocities, heroics, emotions. It is what we inflict upon others and what scars us inside that affects the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence