backtoearths 's review for:

Human Acts by Han Kang

4.75

dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Human Acts is a wonderfully heartbreaking novel depicting the 1980 Gwangju uprising. It focuses on the lives of seven people, their beliefs, inner-workings and traumas. The way Han Kang writes about a topic that is so obviously dear to her has touched me deeply, to the point where I had to fight tears during the epilogue. Human Acts asks the question of where morality and humanity stand in situations where all laws seem to be disregarded. Asks what a person's soul is, and shows how precious of a thing it is.  

To write with such intricacy and gentleness about a piece of history that is drenched in so much blood is proof of Han Kang's genius - would definitely recommend to everyone. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Rape, Police brutality, Murder