about books:
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.
