The Vegetarian : Han Kang

Summary

It is a novel about a woman named Yeong-hye who decides to stop eating meat after experiencing disturbing dreams. Her decision disrupts her family life and leads to a series of events that reveal deep-seated issues within her family. The story is told in three parts, each from a different character’s perspective, exploring themes of personal autonomy, societal expectations, and the impact of trauma. As Yeong-hye’s behavior becomes more extreme, the novel delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for individual freedom.

My Experience

I started The Vegetarian one morning, just casually dipping into the first chapter, and wow, I wasn’t prepared for how graphic and intense it would be. The writing is so vivid that I physically feel the sensations described. That visceral reaction is rare for me, and it speaks volumes about Han Kang’s power as a writer.

I later found out it won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, and honestly, I can see why. But I also want to give a clear trigger warning: this book contains scenes of rape and physical violence. It’s not an easy read, emotionally or psychologically.

The novel’s critique of patriarchal control struck me the most. It highlights how men project their desires and expectations onto women. I’ve noticed this theme in other East Asian literature too, but here it’s especially stark.

“The very idea that there should be this other side to her, one where she selfishly did as she pleased, was astonishing.”

But by the time I finished Part 2, I was honestly disturbed. It felt like the story had veered into erotica disguised as art, and the objectification of Yeong-Hye was deeply triggering. I kept hoping for a shift in perspective, and thankfully, Part 3 delivered. Reading from In-Hye’s point of view brought a much-needed emotional depth. As the eldest sibling in my family, I saw parts of myself in her, her quiet strength, her exhaustion and her sense of responsibility.

“I have dreams too, you know… but surely the dream isn’t all there is? We have to wake up at some point, don’t we?”

That line felt like the heart of the novel, this constant push and pull between desire and duty, escape and survival.

In the end, I’d say this book started incredibly strong but lost some of its impact in the middle. Still, it’s a bold, unforgettable read that left me thinking long after I closed the last page.