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A review by benidamika
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I just finished @sadtwentiesbookclub 's August pick "Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982" . To sum up this book in a sentence I'd say: THIS BOOK MAKES ME VERY VERY ANGRY.
The book narrates the four phases in Jiyoung's life - her childhood, her adolescence, her early adulthood and her married life. Throughout these phases, she has made numerous sacrifices knowingly and unknowingly - all because she is a woman and it is expected of her.
It not only talks of the oppressive environment women had to endure - right from infancy to school up till their workplace, but even at home in some situations. The failure to acknowledge and credit a woman's work is also practiced by the older generation.
Despite this, Jiyoung and the other girls in the book have had small victories and I celebrated with them. These victories meant so much more when there was little they could do or say against their oppressors.
Along with the already existing discomforts of pregnancy, the pressure of having a baby boy is placed on the women. Giving birth to a baby girl made most women feel like failures. It highlights the severity of postpartum depression, which is a topic that is still rarely discussed in so many communities.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it very informative with the little bits and pieces of statistical data that was provided. If I was a professor, I'd definitely include this book into the syllabus. EVERYONE should read it!
The book narrates the four phases in Jiyoung's life - her childhood, her adolescence, her early adulthood and her married life. Throughout these phases, she has made numerous sacrifices knowingly and unknowingly - all because she is a woman and it is expected of her.
It not only talks of the oppressive environment women had to endure - right from infancy to school up till their workplace, but even at home in some situations. The failure to acknowledge and credit a woman's work is also practiced by the older generation.
Despite this, Jiyoung and the other girls in the book have had small victories and I celebrated with them. These victories meant so much more when there was little they could do or say against their oppressors.
Along with the already existing discomforts of pregnancy, the pressure of having a baby boy is placed on the women. Giving birth to a baby girl made most women feel like failures. It highlights the severity of postpartum depression, which is a topic that is still rarely discussed in so many communities.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it very informative with the little bits and pieces of statistical data that was provided. If I was a professor, I'd definitely include this book into the syllabus. EVERYONE should read it!