The Vegetarian

by Han Kang; translated by Deborah Smith
The Vegetarian cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical:
  • ID: 718
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-19
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Jacqui's Wine Blog · Jacqui · 2025-01-26
disturbing 4.50

The book is described as dark, visceral, and poetic, creating a deeply unsettling experience. The contrast between expressed and unexpressed desires adds layers of complexity.

Jacqui finds 'The Vegetarian' to be an unforgettable read that lingers long after the last page. The novel's dark and visceral themes are beautifully contrasted with poetic prose, making it a destabilizing yet captivating experience. They particularly appreciate how the book explores the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, creating a powerful narrative that is both disturbing and thought-provoking. The translation by Deborah Smith is praised for its ability to convey the raw emotion and intensity of the original text.

Quick quotes

    The Vegetarian is an unforgettable read – dark, visceral, poetic and destabilising.

    The contrast between desires that are expressed and those that are not.

    A deeply unsettling experience that lingers long after the last page.

The New York Times · 2016-02-07
disturbing 3.50

The novel is described as disturbing and deeply compelling, with themes of sexual assault and societal pressure. The translation is praised for its ability to convey the raw and unsettling nature of the story.

The New York Times review describes 'The Vegetarian' as a disturbing yet deeply compelling read. The novel's exploration of sexual assault and societal pressure is particularly noted, creating a raw and unsettling narrative. The translation by Deborah Smith is praised for its ability to capture the intensity and emotional depth of the original text. The review highlights how the novel's themes are both shocking and thought-provoking, making it a powerful and memorable read.

Quick quotes

    An ascetic tome this is not: The novel is full of sex of dubious consent, all sorts of force-feeding and purging — essentially sexual assault.

    The published translation was a debut for Deborah Smith, and she has translated this novel beautifully.

    The novel's themes are both shocking and thought-provoking, making it a powerful and memorable read.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2015-02-05
beautiful 4.00

The writing is beautiful and the translation by Deborah Smith is excellent. The novel is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a haunting atmosphere.

Tony highlights the excellent writing and translation in 'The Vegetarian,' noting that Deborah Smith's work is particularly noteworthy as it was her first major translation. They find the novel to be beautifully written, with a haunting atmosphere that stays with the reader long after finishing. The emotional depth and the way the story unfolds are particularly praised, making it a memorable reading experience. Tony appreciates the novel's ability to explore complex themes with sensitivity and nuance.

Quick quotes

    The Vegetarian is beautifully written, with an excellent translation from Deborah Smith.

    Her first major work which reads well throughout the entire novel.

    A haunting atmosphere that stays with the reader long after finishing.

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