The vegetarian by Han Kang

"The vegetarian" by Han Kang. This reprint edition of the book is published by Hogarth in 2016 and has 208 pages. In May 2016, it won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize ( Best book in English translation). Time included the book in its list of best books of 2016.

It's the story of Yeong-hye, a mediocre and docile housewife who suddenly decides to go vegetarian. Reason: she saw a bloody, gory nightmare. She drastically reduces her food intake and becomes emaciated & removed. Her brother-in-law is sexually aroused, attracted and obsessed with her upon hearing that she has a Mongolian mark on her buttock. Her sister blames herself for all that happened. 

How does it impact her personal life and family life? What is Yeong-hye trying to become?

Yeong-hye feels that lives of animals she ate are lodged inside her. Relinquishing meat in Korea is considered not only abnormal but also crazy. Her family is ashamed of her. Her family tries to force feed meat to her. Upon her refusal her father even slaps her resulting in her attempting a suicide. Her husband divorces her. 

Her brother in law wants her to video model nude with painted body. Her sister tries to support her. Brother in law's vivid imagination about her is bold, provocative and dark. However it's neither erotic not pornographic. A difficult feat to achieve. 

Yeong-hye is taken advantage of by her abusive father, career oriented chauvinist husband and artist brother in law who fantasizes her.  

The book has three parts. First part is a first person narrative of her husband. Second part is first person narrative of her brother in law. Third part is second person narrative of her sister. First two parts are interesting but the third drags a bit. 

Yeong-hye wants to become a tree. She is convinced that she does not need to eat and can survive on water and sunlight. She asks why is it bad to die? It's a type of rebellion against the world. 

Narration style is unique. Korean customs and culture make it exotic but in reality it's all about women, killings and monotony. Reader remains confused as to whether he wants Yeong-hye to remain alive in hospital or get discharged and die. 

The novel is a bit bizarre, sometimes extreme and even confusing. The dark undercurrent throughout the novel does not let the reader rest.  It's a tale of revulsion, sex, go green, power and obsession. 

Why did I read this book? Recommended by Karol Ragoonaden, South Africa. 

What I didn't like? 'Vegetarian' is only in first one third of the book. 

What did I like? Off the beaten path. 

Read if you like the genre or this review.