Laura’s Rating 2.5/5 Stars
I read this book as a recommendation from my friend Jillian. I absolutely would not have picked out this book on my own, but I’m glad I read it.
The Analysis:
Translated from Korean, this book is disturbing and difficult to read at times. It deals with mental health, abusive relationships, and problematic societal roles. When Yeong-hye has bloody, violent dreams about eating animals, she is compelled to become vegetarian (or more accurately, vegan). The idea of a plant-based diet is not something widely accepted in Korean society or by Yeong-hye’s husband and family. Her husband, known as Mr. Cheong, is self-absorbed and physically and emotionally abusive. He simply wanted a wife who “puts food on the table and keeps the house in good order”. He seems more concerned with their lack of sex life rather than his wife not eating or sleeping due to her haunting dreams. Yeong-hye’s father is also intolerant and demands respect without giving any to others. He is ashamed at the way his daughter’s new lifestyle disappoints her husband and rather than trying to understand her, he is physically violent. This book highlights the cultural traditions of Korea and the expectation of obedient, submissive roles for women.
Yeong-hye’s decision to go against societal norms and give up eating meat is really a symbol for larger social constructs that she is rebelling against. Yeong-hye longs for a sense of autonomy and by choosing a new diet, she is able to exercise authority over what she puts in her body and control at least that singular aspect of her life. Yeong-hye’s vegetarianism turns into a quest to become one with nature and reject all that is human (violence, discomfort, material goods). Her mental health quickly declines and her body begins to deteriorate as she refuses most food. Her sister, In-hye, dutifully continues to care for her sister, giving up some of her own happiness in the process. In following Yeong-hye’s quest to rid herself of the darkness of humanity, In-hye begins to realize that she also feels trapped by societal expectations and longs to be free of the harsh world.
The Vegetarian consists of three parts, narrated by three different characters. Despite being the main character, readers only see Yeong-hye through the eyes of these other characters, which highlights her lack of agency. The book examines how continued abuse and neglect can create damage that ripples through the years. It also asks important questions about social obligations, relationships, and mental health. This book is heavy in some parts and bizarre in others, but is full of powerful quandaries that have no simple solutions. I would recommend it to someone looking for different perspectives and an intellectual challenge.
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