Scan barcode
A review by alingtori
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I know a lot of people have already sang praises for this book and I get it now.
Written in a matter-of-fact manner, Cho Nam-Joo lays down all the injustices faced by women, not just of Korea, but all over the world. We women are all to familiar with these but it doesn't make it less heartbreaking.
We do get to see some push-back from women every now and then, and I lived for those. Because without them, I don't know how we are all going to survive a world where you are viewed and treated as inferior. I remember what the lady who helped Jiyoung in the bus told her: there are many crazy men in the world but there are far more great guys out there. It may, or may not be true. But we have to have hope that there are people (both men and women) who will step up and fight against injustices in their own ways.
However, we all know that even well-meaning people can perpetuate inequality because of the system and the deeply ingrained prejudices that we grew up with. We can see that in Jiyoung's husband. I never doubted his love for Jiyoung even if he fails to recognize the absurd amount of inequality and sacrifices Jiyoung has made, just because she's a woman. The most progressive male colleague in her company still thinks that women should stay silent for fear of losing revenue.
That said, I also can't help seeing this book as a critique of a capitalist society. People--especially women--are forced to make sacrifices in order to survive. From working at a young age to help support one's family, choosing a career that bring in money instead, to experiencing and enduring harassment just so they can keep, or get the job.
I can't say I enjoyed reading this heartbreaking book but it's a great one and everyone should also read it. Go ahead, it's a fairly short book anyway.
Written in a matter-of-fact manner, Cho Nam-Joo lays down all the injustices faced by women, not just of Korea, but all over the world. We women are all to familiar with these but it doesn't make it less heartbreaking.
We do get to see some push-back from women every now and then, and I lived for those. Because without them, I don't know how we are all going to survive a world where you are viewed and treated as inferior. I remember what the lady who helped Jiyoung in the bus told her: there are many crazy men in the world but there are far more great guys out there. It may, or may not be true. But we have to have hope that there are people (both men and women) who will step up and fight against injustices in their own ways.
However, we all know that even well-meaning people can perpetuate inequality because of the system and the deeply ingrained prejudices that we grew up with. We can see that in Jiyoung's husband. I never doubted his love for Jiyoung even if he fails to recognize the absurd amount of inequality and sacrifices Jiyoung has made, just because she's a woman. The most progressive male colleague in her company still thinks that women should stay silent for fear of losing revenue.
That said, I also can't help seeing this book as a critique of a capitalist society. People--especially women--are forced to make sacrifices in order to survive. From working at a young age to help support one's family, choosing a career that bring in money instead, to experiencing and enduring harassment just so they can keep, or get the job.
I can't say I enjoyed reading this heartbreaking book but it's a great one and everyone should also read it. Go ahead, it's a fairly short book anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Sexual Harassment