Who Would Like This Book:
This slim, powerful novel offers a raw look at the daily realities of sexism and gender roles in South Korea - and, by extension, almost anywhere. With its clear, spare style and strong feminist message, it’s both accessible and deeply thought-provoking. Anyone interested in feminist literature, social justice, Korean culture, or books that spark meaningful discussions will find a lot to unpack here. Readers who appreciate stories grounded in real experiences and statistics, and those who don’t shy away from tough topics, will be fascinated by Kim Jiyoung’s journey.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re looking for an action-driven plot or lush, poetic writing, this one might not be for you. Some readers found the writing too detached or clinical, with a narrative style that can feel more like a case study than an emotional deep dive. The main character’s passivity and the book’s relentless listing of injustices can be frustrating for those hoping for a more hopeful or solutions-driven story. It’s also an infuriating read - expect to feel lots of anger and sadness at the realities depicted.
About:
'Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982' by Cho Nam-Joo is a novella that follows the life of Kim Jiyoung, a fictional South Korean everywoman, as she navigates systemic misogyny, gender roles, and women's trauma. The book explores the struggles faced by Jiyoung from childhood to adulthood, shedding light on the habitual sexism prevalent in Korean society. Through a clinical and detached narrative style, the author presents a powerful and harrowing account of Jiyoung's experiences, highlighting the relationships between female characters and the impact of patriarchy on women's lives in South Korea and beyond.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes triggers related to misogyny, violence against women, and mental health struggles.
From The Publisher:
A New York Times Editors Choice Selection
A global sensation, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 "has become...a touchstone for a conversation around feminism and gender" (Sarah Shin, Guardian).
One of the most notable novels of the year, hailed by both critics and K-pop stars alike, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 follows one woman's psychic deterioration in the face of rampant misogyny. In a tidy apartment on the outskirts of Seoul, millennial "everywoman" Kim Jiyoung spends her days caring for her infant daughter. But strange symptoms appear: Jiyoung begins to impersonate the voices of other women, dead and alive. As she plunges deeper into this psychosis, her concerned husband sends her to a psychiatrist. Jiyoung narrates her story to this doctor-from her birth to parents who expected a son to elementary school teachers who policed girls' outfits to male coworkers who installed hidden cameras in women's restrooms. But can her psychiatrist cure her, or even discover what truly ails her? "A social treatise as well as a work of art" (Alexandra Alter, New York Times), Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 heralds the arrival of international powerhouse Cho Nam-Joo.
Ratings (43)
Incredible (12) | |
Loved It (20) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (90):
Read It (44) | |
Want To Read (40) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (5) |
1 comment(s)
****2.5****
RTC
Happy Reading!!!
What can you read after
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982?
About the Author:
Cho Nam-Joo was a television scriptwriter for nine years. Her debut novel, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982, has sold in nineteen countries and over a million copies. She lives in Korea.
Jamie Chang is an award-winning translator and teaches at the Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea.
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