Take a photo of a barcode or cover
jaroszynski 's review for:
The Vegetarian
by Han Kang
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I expected more ‘magical realism’ with tin this with all the strangeness I’ve heard about this book, but instead it was quite ‘grounded’ (like a tree) in reality, not only that but there are so many different ways that the events of this book can be interpreted.
There’s just so many ways to interpret this book, from femininity and female power, mental illness aid and just individuality and wanting to be in control of your life in any way. This is a fascinating book that I will be rereading in the future in order to try and analyse everything.
A particular part that I found interesting was that the book is split up into 3 parts with each one being from a different perspective, and yet none of them being the titular ‘vegetarian’ the story is named after (I won’t name the perspectives as it’s quite engaging trying to guess who’s mind you’ll be in next!). You’re always stuck as an observer of these events, never fully knowing what is going on with her.
The characters while at first intensely dislikable I admit end up becoming pitiable as they all try and live their lives according to their own rules while still interacting with one another. A truly unique experience this story is, I can’t wait to delve more into Kang’s writing.
There’s just so many ways to interpret this book, from femininity and female power, mental illness aid and just individuality and wanting to be in control of your life in any way. This is a fascinating book that I will be rereading in the future in order to try and analyse everything.
A particular part that I found interesting was that the book is split up into 3 parts with each one being from a different perspective, and yet none of them being the titular ‘vegetarian’ the story is named after (I won’t name the perspectives as it’s quite engaging trying to guess who’s mind you’ll be in next!). You’re always stuck as an observer of these events, never fully knowing what is going on with her.
The characters while at first intensely dislikable I admit end up becoming pitiable as they all try and live their lives according to their own rules while still interacting with one another. A truly unique experience this story is, I can’t wait to delve more into Kang’s writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny