A review by alingtori
Human Acts, by Han Kang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
How can humans be capable of such inhumane acts? This has been what's going through my mind as I read this book.
Human Acts is a story of suffering--both physical and mental--brought by individuals to other individuals. But it is also a story of bravery and love and justice. Because at the end of the day, that's what being human is--it is being complex and capable of doing good and bad. And ultimately, it also up to us to make sure that the good prevails.
This is especially hard for me to read because it's so familiar with the stories of Martial Law in the Philippines. The violence, the trauma, and also the bravery of people in the face of oppression. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that we have been able to survive despite everything. And it is our obligation to those who didn't that this never happens again. That their memories, sufferings, and sacrifices are never forgotten.
Human Acts is a story of suffering--both physical and mental--brought by individuals to other individuals. But it is also a story of bravery and love and justice. Because at the end of the day, that's what being human is--it is being complex and capable of doing good and bad. And ultimately, it also up to us to make sure that the good prevails.
This is especially hard for me to read because it's so familiar with the stories of Martial Law in the Philippines. The violence, the trauma, and also the bravery of people in the face of oppression. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that we have been able to survive despite everything. And it is our obligation to those who didn't that this never happens again. That their memories, sufferings, and sacrifices are never forgotten.