Scan barcode
A review by sashasghost
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this book is brutal. the POV characters, especially in part 1 and 2, are vile, but are well written. well written scumbags. i highly recommended reading triggers. rape is brought up suddenly at around 30 pages in, but it makes sense from the POV. he doesn't really view it as a vile act, just "meeting his needs".
rape is also explored through part 2 with both Yeong-hye and In-hye. you see rape from the rapists perspective so it's very cold, not truly acknowledging the pain they've inflicted.
mental illness is prevalent. it's an accurate depiction of the pain, so it's rather brutal, especially in part 3. you only get glimpses into Yeong-hye's perspective and only in part 1. it's very isolating.
it's by no means an enjoyable read in most people's common meaning of 'an enjoyable book'. for me, there's appreciation in the carefully painful choices Kang made. framing the perspectives through the unloving husband, the obsessive brother-in-law, and the struggling sister. they're different perspectives of cowardice, different types of cowardice.
In-hye's perspective i personally found more brutal for it's exploration of familial abuse. the guilt, the constant what if's, the growing up too soon.
it's a very well written, painful little book.
rape is also explored through part 2 with both Yeong-hye and In-hye. you see rape from the rapists perspective so it's very cold, not truly acknowledging the pain they've inflicted.
mental illness is prevalent. it's an accurate depiction of the pain, so it's rather brutal, especially in part 3. you only get glimpses into Yeong-hye's perspective and only in part 1. it's very isolating.
it's by no means an enjoyable read in most people's common meaning of 'an enjoyable book'. for me, there's appreciation in the carefully painful choices Kang made. framing the perspectives through the unloving husband, the obsessive brother-in-law, and the struggling sister. they're different perspectives of cowardice, different types of cowardice.
In-hye's perspective i personally found more brutal for it's exploration of familial abuse. the guilt, the constant what if's, the growing up too soon.
it's a very well written, painful little book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Suicide
Minor: Child abuse