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A review by kaylamanzanares
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-joo
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
"The world had changed a great deal, but the little rules, contracts and customs had not, which meant the world hadn't actually changed at all."
On the back cover of the book, it says that "Kim Jiyoung is her own woman. Kim Jiyoung is every woman." By narrating Kim Jiyoung's experiences as a woman going through different age milestones in life while she lives in a patriarchal society, Cho Nam-joo seems to hand us a mirror to reflect on our own experiences and on what it means to be a woman, especially as we exist in what we now consider a modern society. The book also clearly enumerated the many instances misogyny is expressed and presented in our daily lives, from the blatant action to the smallest details, and how it is manifested in our homes, schools, workplaces, and elsewhere.
I was able to finish reading Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 within a considerably short period of time. It was moving, thought-provoking and emotionally challenging. Reading Kim Jiyoung's story made me feel, mostly but not limited to being, enraged and frustrated because I, too, have witnessed and experienced misogyny, discrimination, and objectification throughout my life.
I have my own experiences of dealing against the patriarchy, but as I have read the book, I cannot help but wonder its impact as well on the women I came from and those around me. The book also got me reflecting on the internalized misogyny that I might have unconsciously acquired and hold, the times I've had manifested it and how it affected other women.
There are many more thoughts that I need to reflect on and process, but my main takeaway probably is to question, challenge, and unlearn what are considered to be the norms towards women. Most times the world may seem to be unchanging but it is not entirely true. By believing in our strength and power, speaking up against discrimination and micro-aggressions, and taking spaces for ourselves simply because we can, we assert our own identity. But we, women, shouldn't be the only ones burdened to push for change as if it's our responsibility alone. Fuck patriarchy.
On the back cover of the book, it says that "Kim Jiyoung is her own woman. Kim Jiyoung is every woman." By narrating Kim Jiyoung's experiences as a woman going through different age milestones in life while she lives in a patriarchal society, Cho Nam-joo seems to hand us a mirror to reflect on our own experiences and on what it means to be a woman, especially as we exist in what we now consider a modern society. The book also clearly enumerated the many instances misogyny is expressed and presented in our daily lives, from the blatant action to the smallest details, and how it is manifested in our homes, schools, workplaces, and elsewhere.
I was able to finish reading Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 within a considerably short period of time. It was moving, thought-provoking and emotionally challenging. Reading Kim Jiyoung's story made me feel, mostly but not limited to being, enraged and frustrated because I, too, have witnessed and experienced misogyny, discrimination, and objectification throughout my life.
I have my own experiences of dealing against the patriarchy, but as I have read the book, I cannot help but wonder its impact as well on the women I came from and those around me. The book also got me reflecting on the internalized misogyny that I might have unconsciously acquired and hold, the times I've had manifested it and how it affected other women.
There are many more thoughts that I need to reflect on and process, but my main takeaway probably is to question, challenge, and unlearn what are considered to be the norms towards women. Most times the world may seem to be unchanging but it is not entirely true. By believing in our strength and power, speaking up against discrimination and micro-aggressions, and taking spaces for ourselves simply because we can, we assert our own identity. But we, women, shouldn't be the only ones burdened to push for change as if it's our responsibility alone. Fuck patriarchy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Mental illness and Schizophrenia/Psychosis