A review by spongebobbiii
The Vegetarian by Han Kang

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Han Kang’s The Vegetarian is a chilling and mesmerizing novel. The story begins with Yeong-hye, a seemingly ordinary woman who shocks her family by suddenly refusing to eat meat. This simple act of defiance spirals into a complex exploration of identity, autonomy, and societal pressures, all told through the perspectives of those closest to her.

As the novel progresses, Yeong-hye's quiet rebellion against societal norms takes on a surreal, almost nightmarish quality. Her transformation is not just physical but psychological, affecting everyone around her in disturbing ways. The plot is haunting, with each chapter adding layers of tension and unease, drawing the reader deeper into its unsettling atmosphere.

Han Kang’s writing is nothing short of exquisite. The prose beautifully captures the inner turmoil of the characters while maintaining a sense of creeping dread throughout. The transitions between different characters’ perspectives are seamless, creating a fluid narrative that is both gripping and disorienting. While the novel contains graphic nudity and sexual content, these elements are handled with such skill that they never feel gratuitous, instead serving to deepen the story's themes.

The book does include a few scenes of sexual assault, which, while not very graphic, might feel unnecessary to some readers. However, this does not detract from the overall impact of the novel. The Vegetarian is a book that challenges and disturbs, yet it is also hauntingly intriguing. 

Overall, The Vegetarian is a deeply unsettling but beautifully crafted novel. 

Rating Summary:
  • Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
  • Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Pace: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Emotional Impact: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
  • World-building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Ease of Reading: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Ending: ⭐️⭐️




Expand filter menu Content Warnings