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A review by alyssatuininga
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am not sure that I have the words to review this book yet. I can absolutely see why it was awarded The Novel Prize and The Booker Prize. It was heartbreaking, rage-inducing, disgusting, visceral, raw and painfully real. This is not a simple book about a woman who decides to become a vegetarian. This is a book about society, bodily autonomy, patriarchy, family structure and responsibilities, abuse, mental illness. The list could go on and on. The writing is gorgeous and the characters are so real it is almost painful. I will have more to say at some point but for now I know that this book will be on my mind for a VERY long time.
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis