Han Kang is an extremely talented writer. This book was bone chilling and haunting. The way the scenes were written made you feel like you were transported in the scenes she traces. I loved this story.

A Young women has a dream and becomes a vegetarian eventually resulting in a full fledged eating disorder. Dealing with mental illness and its effect on family members. Divided into three parts-the first told from the perspective of the husband, then the brother in law and finally the sister. At times very dark and vivid.

Copy provided by the Publishe

Deeply disturbing read, not for everyone. Some key symbolism that is much needed, and I hope to see more translated pieces from this author and others.

Kang is able to transform vegetarianism into a symbol for so many parts of being a woman. There are parts that are creepy, and physically squeamish in this book, but I'm glad I read it for both the cultural context and the message!

This book wasn't for me, but I suspect I am not the audience for it.

Unusual tale of a Vegetarian.
Story moves through Young Hye’s husband, her brother-in-law and her sister views. (divided into three section)
Young Hye had a dream and after that dream she decided to become a vegetarian. From then on everything changed for everyone. Young Hye becoming vegetarian can not be accepted by her husband and her parents. Everything seems to change for everyones ordinary lives.
Young Hye’s becoming vegetarian manifested more problems for whole family and it changes relationships as well.

It is difficult to describe but it is definitely different from all the other novels in a while.
When it was part of our book club book, we had more questions than answers. I think knowing some of the cultural traits does help. I would recommend this book to provoke your thoughts.