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A review by katreads2022
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I will preface this by saying I read this book with no premonition of what it was actually about and I believe that is the best way to approach this book. For those who have not read it, I will just say that I highly recommend “Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982”. For anyone. Spoilers ahead in the remainder of this review.
Detailing—in intriguing clinical fashion—the life of his patient Kim Jiyoung, the unnamed psychiatrist reflects on the roadblocks he had not faced being a man. I think every reader should reflect alongside him, examining the critical role of sex in society. What I think is particularly interesting about this novel is its treatment of the fundamental way in which sexism forcefully redirects the lives of women. There’s this unfounded perception that sexism is compacted in singular experiences: a rude catcall, an apprehensive glance, a snide remark. In reality, it occupies a women’s entire life, ever-present and all-encompassing. Jiyoung isn’t particularly unusual in any way: in fact, she is incredibly average. Her tendency to remain within the norm further illustrates the ingrained sexism in all societies, not just the corporate Korean world which she navigates in her midlife. I am certain everyone can detect the patterns of Jiyoung’s life among their female family and friends, even amongst themselves. The injustice which Jiyoung faces purely because of her sex is, tragically, universal.
Detailing—in intriguing clinical fashion—the life of his patient Kim Jiyoung, the unnamed psychiatrist reflects on the roadblocks he had not faced being a man. I think every reader should reflect alongside him, examining the critical role of sex in society. What I think is particularly interesting about this novel is its treatment of the fundamental way in which sexism forcefully redirects the lives of women. There’s this unfounded perception that sexism is compacted in singular experiences: a rude catcall, an apprehensive glance, a snide remark. In reality, it occupies a women’s entire life, ever-present and all-encompassing. Jiyoung isn’t particularly unusual in any way: in fact, she is incredibly average. Her tendency to remain within the norm further illustrates the ingrained sexism in all societies, not just the corporate Korean world which she navigates in her midlife. I am certain everyone can detect the patterns of Jiyoung’s life among their female family and friends, even amongst themselves. The injustice which Jiyoung faces purely because of her sex is, tragically, universal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment