34 pages • 1 hour read
The Vegetarian
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Seoul, South Korea • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Vegetarian follows Kim Yeong-hye, who decides to become vegetarian, and the impact of her decision on her relationships and personal life. Narrated in three parts, "The Vegetarian," "Mongolian Mark," and "Flaming Trees," the story explores themes of autonomy, trauma, and identity through the perspectives of her husband, brother-in-law, and sister. The book includes instances of physical and sexual violence.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
187,563 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Han Kang's The Vegetarian captivates with its haunting narrative and profound exploration of societal norms and individual rebellion. Critics praise its poetic prose and psychological depth, though some find its pacing uneven and disturbing themes overwhelming. Overall, a provocative and thought-provoking read that challenges conventional boundaries.
Who Should Read The Vegetarian?
Readers drawn to psychological character studies with dark, haunting themes will appreciate The Vegetarian by Han Kang. Fans of Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami or Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, who enjoy exploring complex human emotions and societal norms, will find this novel compelling and thought-provoking.
187,563 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
In-hye
In-hye
Yeong-hye’s older sister who owns a cosmetics shop and is the main provider for her family, navigating relationships with her sister, husband, and son throughout the story.
Mr. Cheong
Mr. Cheong
Yeong-hye’s husband who struggles with her decision to stop eating meat and is primarily concerned with social perceptions and maintaining a conventional lifestyle.
The Brother-in-law
The Brother-in-law
An artist who lives off his wife’s income, revealing complexity in his character relating to his artistic pursuits and interactions with Yeong-hye.
Father
Father
The patriarch of Yeong-hye and In-hye’s family, whose violent tendencies and influence play a formative role in Yeong-hye's past experiences.
192
Novel • Fiction
Seoul, South Korea • 2000s
2007
Adult
18+ years
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