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| (Thank you to Blogging For Books for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
From the internationally bestselling author of THE VEGETARIAN, a “rare and astonishing” (The Observer) portrait of political unrest and the universal struggle for justice
In the midst of a violent student uprising in South Korea, a young boy named Dong-ho is shockingly killed.
The story of this tragic episode unfolds in a sequence of interconnected chapters as the victims and the bereaved encounter suppression, denial, and the echoing agony of the massacre. From Dong-ho’s best friend who meets his own fateful end; to an editor struggling against censorship; to a prisoner and a factory worker, each suffering from traumatic memories; and to Dong-ho’s own grief-stricken mother; and through their collective heartbreak and acts of hope is the tale of a brutalized people in search of a voice.
An award-winning, controversial bestseller, HUMAN ACTS is a timeless, pointillist portrait of an historic event with reverberations still being felt today, by turns tracing the harsh reality of oppression and the resounding, extraordinary poetry of humanity.
my thoughts:
Wow. Han Kang's novel, Human Acts is truly one of the BEST books I've ever read. The writing is brilliant. The story is powerful. And the history it is based on - the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea in 1980 - absolutely horrifying. I am stunned by the excellence of this book. It is a smart, compelling read that is beautifully written. I am in awe of Kang and her talent.
This is a book in which several stories intertwine and tell a tale of violence, sadness, uprising, and history. It is raw, gritty, complex, and insightful. The writing is splendid with its rich, vivid details and perceptive story lines. You can't help but be gripped by the strength of this story. It is truly a captivating read.
I know that I haven't written much about the story, but I don't want to ruin anything for you. This is a book that must be read and experienced. It is one that you will never forget.
I would happily recommend Human Acts by Han Kang to anyone looking for a great read.
I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review.
6 comments:
This sounds wonderful!! Adding to my list.
JoAnn, it really is a great piece of literature. Definitely add it to your list :)
Ooh, I've been wanting to read more books from around the world this year and have been looking for some that are set in South Korea. This would be perfect! Can't wait to give this one a read. Thanks! :D
Lark, then read this. It is disturbing, but sometimes history is disturbing. Definitely check it out :)
This sounds wonderful and I'll definitely put it on my wishlist. I've been nervous hearing about it because I found The Vegetarian SO creepy!
Amy, it really is such a wonderful read. Definitely check it out - well worth it. I still need to read The Vegetarian - I have it on my kindle, so I need to get to it soon.
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