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Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Cho Nam-Joo, Transl. Jamie Chang

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

157

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Korea • 2010s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, translated by Jamie Chang, follows Kim Jiyoung, a new mother in Seoul, as she begins to exhibit strange behavior by speaking in the voices of other women. Her life story, narrated by her psychiatrist, highlights her experiences with gender discrimination and sexual harassment from childhood through adulthood, underscoring the systemic challenges women face in Korean society.

Informative

Melancholic

Contemplative

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo, translated by Jamie Chang, is praised for its poignant portrayal of gender inequality in South Korea. Critics applaud its straightforward narrative and emotional depth. Some find its didactic tone and statistical incorporations detract from the storytelling. Overall, it sparks important discussions on feminism and social norms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982?

Readers interested in Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo and Transl. Jamie Chang typically appreciate contemporary feminist literature highlighting social issues and gender inequality. Similar to fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, they enjoy poignant narratives with strong, relatable female protagonists.

Character List

Kim Jiyoung

Protagonist of the novel who navigates life from birth to early motherhood, facing gender inequities and societal pressures.

Jiyoung's mother, who balances traditional gender roles and economic independence, aspiring for a better future for her daughters.

Jiyoung's husband, depicted as thoughtful but oblivious to his privileges in a society structured around male dominance.

Jiyoung’s team leader at the marketing company and a rare female manager, highlighting the challenges women face in advancing within male-dominated workplaces.

Narrator of the story who provides an objective account based on his therapy sessions with Jiyoung, revealing insights into societal attitudes towards gender roles.

Book Details
Pages

157

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

South Korea • 2010s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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