lydiasilvestri 's review for:

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

2.5

challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I enjoyed the use of different perspectives and can appreciate the choice of not granting the reader access into the titular characters mind.

The exploration of family dynamics and patriarchal structures has potential, but is in itself not revolutionary. I am not impressed by the discussion of mental health, which seemed directionless at some points and caricaturistic at others.

A story filled with passive women and abusive men, that allures into a helpless melancholy on one page and leaves you disturbed on the next. Many content warnings. I cannot think of someone I would recommend this to.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Schizophrenia/Psychosis

Moderate: Vomit