The Vegetarian by Han Kang

I read this book in less than 24 hours. This short award-winning novel is set in contemporary Korea; it talks about a woman called Yeoung-Hye, who becomes vegetarian after having a dream. The book is split into three parts all written from different perspectives: the husband of the vegetarian, the vegetarian’s brother-in-law, and the vegetarian’s sister.

The Vegetarian is truly startling, compelling and enchanting. Whilst reading this book, I felt transported into another world trying, desperately, to understand the vegetarian’s thoughts, which are only unveiled by her family members. The way the story evolves is entrancing as it is so surreal. I think Kang’s choice of only allowing the Vegetarian’s thoughts to be conveyed through her loved ones, only emphasises this further. Upon discovering her choice to become a vegetarian, everything changes in her relations not only with her family but also her husband’s colleagues, suggesting how taboo it must be in Korea to be plant-based. Not only this, but to go against what your husband and family think you should do is also shown to be rather rare, therefore the story is very telling of Korean society.

The ending is unclear and the message the story leaves you with is open to interpretation. I would love to share mine, however I do not want to give away any spoilers (I am prone to getting over-excited and therefore, overshare). If you have read this book or once you have read it and you want to discuss it with me I will be more than happy to discuss what it could possibly have meant!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book because it is written fantastically, the story is truly gripping and also very entertaining.