A review by henrytinker
The Vegetarian by Han Kang

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I really enjoyed the first section and thought this was going to be a 5 star read, but it began to get very repetitive as it went on despite the perspective changes. e.g. the numerous descriptions of Yeon-Hye's body and how unknowable and mysterious she is because she's mentally ill. It's also very ableist to frame mental illness as a choice to 'let go' of societal expectations, and that's not even getting into all the descriptions of the patients at the hospital and what a 'problem' they are for the staff and family members.
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