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lilkstew's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was a strange book. I was surprised to see that none of the chapters featured Yeong-hye's perspective, but I think it made sense that her mind was never truly available to the reader (or any of the other characters, for that matter). I wasn't a huge fan of the middle section with the brother-in-law, but it was interesting to see how each of the chapters focused on a certain character trying to control Yeong-hye. I felt terrible for her, and it was kind of devastating to see how she was treated throughout the whole book. I think that the author took a really unique approach to eating disorders and bodily autonomy, and it was interesting to read about these topics within a different cultural context. At times, the translation felt a little disjointed, but I generally liked the writing, especially the repetition in the final chapter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis