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A review by krista225
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was a strange little novella. It was both a character study of Kim Jiyoung and a social commentary on life as a Korean woman during the late 20th century. It often pointed out how difficult life could be for girls and women during this period of history, interjecting facts alongside Kim Jiyoung's experiences.
As I read, I felt like I was reading a mental health intake overview with some creative license taken. Well, it turns out I was right. The last part of the book is the therapist reflecting on his time with Kim Jiyoung, his earlier misdiagnosis, and his current thinking on her situation. There really is no resolution.
In fact, even though the therapist is the one interjecting the factoids throughout his recounting of Jiyoung's life, the book ends with him embodying the problematic mindset found in so many other men as he bemoans the need to replace his pregnant secretary.
In fact, even though the therapist is the one interjecting the factoids throughout his recounting of Jiyoung's life, the book ends with him embodying the problematic mindset found in so many other men as he bemoans the need to replace his pregnant secretary.