A review by afictionalescapist
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo

challenging emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.5

Kim Jiyoung Born 1982 - Cho Nam-Joo 

After an outburst during a family dinner Jiyoung’s husband decides that she needs therapy. She doesn’t get a say in the matter, nor does she feel like it’s her place. So she goes.

This was A beautifully written character study of a woman’s experience in Korea from birth through to marriage. We follow Jiyoung as she describes the many discrepancies between the genders throughout her life. 

There are so many frustrating parts inside these pages, that many of us who were socialized as female would gawk at. At its core, I found this book, educational, eye opening and humbling. 

Fair warning, this will likely make you uncomfortable, but that’s a good thing IMO. It will make you check your privilege if you’ve grown up in a western society but it will also make you angry at practices still happening today all over the world. 

This was a 4.5 ⭐️ from me.