A review by giasbookhaven
The Vegetarian by Han Kang

challenging emotional sad tense 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? Yes

3.25

The Vegetarian was a complicated, dark and challenging read. From my perspective, the story is trying to portray the affects of mental illness and it's effect on those surrounding them. I find that as the story progressed, we are given hints that the main character's condition may have been dormant for her entire life and maybe the signs were always there but over looked by family members. I am sorry to say that a theme of abuse is present in this book with our main character, Yeong-hye  being the recipient of it.  From her husband, to her father and mother and even her brother in law.  Even with the difficulties of Yeonh-Hye's changing personality and actions, I have to say that the brightest part of this story was the commitment and reliability that her older sister has for caring for her as things get progressively worse. 
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