The Vegetarian: A Novel

A book…

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Ji su: It starts off unremarkably. Told from a husband’s perspective. His wife suddenly becomes a vegetarian. Throws all the meat out of the fridge. Cooks only vegetables, no fish, no eggs.

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Mi na: Seriously vegan?

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Ji su: And her sister is surprised, but tries to understand. Everyone but her sister drifts away over some years.

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Mi na: Tragedy?

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Ji su: Not entirely. Nice imagery. “Summer trees flicker like huge green fireworks.” Insightful. “She’d become the hard-working, self-sacrificing eldest daughter…a sign not of maturity… but a survival tactic.”

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Mi na: Yes, that makes you think a bit about why elder siblings become the responsible ones.

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Ji su: Many things are not as they seem.

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Voice-over

The Vegetarian. By Han Kang. Ably translated by Deoborah Smith. 2016 Man Booker Prize. Mental illness as seen from the sufferer, the caregivers, family, friends, doctors.

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