logo

48 pages 1 hour read

Human Acts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Han Kang

Human Acts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Gwangju, South Korea • 1980s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Human Acts by Han Kang explores the Gwangju Uprising of 1980 and its aftermath through the experiences of various characters, primarily focusing on Dong-ho, a middle-school boy killed by the army. The novel delves into themes of trauma, grief, and the enduring impact of state violence on individuals and society. The novel features graphic depictions of violence, sexual violence, and death, and mentions a death by suicide.

Dark

Melancholic

Unnerving

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

36,164 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

In Human Acts, Han Kang delivers a profoundly moving narrative that delves into the Gwangju Uprising's brutal aftermath through interconnected stories. The prose is celebrated for its lyrical and evocative style, but some critics note the graphic violence may be overwhelming. Overall, the novel is lauded for its powerful exploration of human suffering and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Human Acts?

Readers who appreciate deeply moving narratives about human resilience and the trauma of political violence will be drawn to Han Kang's Human Acts. Fans of works like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Beloved by Toni Morrison will find this novel's poetic prose and emotional depth compelling.

4.4

36,164 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Gwangju, South Korea • 1980s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.