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A review by centesimal
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. The writing is excellent, and I appreciate how short the novel is, because there are brutal scenes that will stick with me. This book covers so much of the societal pressures in life, and how conforming makes us miserable, and also how a lack of empathy impacts everyone.
Han Kang made the smart and pointed decision to not provide Yeong-hye space for a point-of-view. We get to see through the eyes of three other characters, but Yeong-hye is mostly closed off to us except for some fragments of dreams. But once those viewpoints unfold, and the reader begins to catch a glimmer of what Yeong-hye has gone through, understanding for Yeong-hye's actions begins to blossom.
In the absence of control and choices, we may think we can exert control over our bodies at the very least, but that isn't true, is it?
Han Kang made the smart and pointed decision to not provide Yeong-hye space for a point-of-view. We get to see through the eyes of three other characters, but Yeong-hye is mostly closed off to us except for some fragments of dreams. But once those viewpoints unfold, and the reader begins to catch a glimmer of what Yeong-hye has gone through, understanding for Yeong-hye's actions begins to blossom.
In the absence of control and choices, we may think we can exert control over our bodies at the very least, but that isn't true, is it?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization