Photo courtesy of Sophie Frank ‘26
By YunTong Liu ʼ27
Contributing Writer
The works of South Korean author Han Kang, including her acclaimed novels “The Vegetarian,” “Human Acts,” “The White Book” and “Greek Lessons,” are now available as English-language translations at the Odyssey Bookshop. Han Kang, a 2024 Nobel Laureate, is celebrated for exploring complex human experiences in her works. Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature "for her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life," according to the award’s official description on the Nobel Prize website.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
In her most famous book, “The Vegetarian,” Han delves into themes of violence, the boundaries between sanity and madness and the limitations of understanding others. The novel features disturbing elements, including bloody violence, simmering tensions, misplaced desires and dark disgust. “The Vegetarian” is particularly suited for readers interested in identity, and those with a mind open to unconventional narratives. Porochista Khakpour, a Iranian-American writer and novelist, praised the book and described it as transgressive literature in The New York Times.
“The Vegetarian” centers around Yeong-hye, a woman who, after a disturbing and surreal nightmare, refuses to eat or cook meat, ultimately adopting the belief that she is becoming a plant. This radical transformation marks the beginning of her rebellion against her former life as she seeks to sever ties with societal expectations and familial obligations. As Yeong-hye’s refusal to conform grows, she faces increasing hostility and violence from both her family and the society around her. The novel explores her struggle for autonomy and the intense psychological and physical consequences of her actions. Through Yeong-hye’s story, Han Kang examines the limits of personal agency and the fragility of the human body in a world filled with societal pressures and deeply ingrained norms.
Western interpretations of “The Vegetarian” attempt to explain its strangeness through cultural and sociological lenses. In Britain, some reviews attributed its themes to the pressures of South Korean etiquette, with The Independent stating that “the crushing pressure of Korean etiquette murders [South Korean citizens].” Other British reviewers emphasized the impracticality of vegetarianism in South Korea, according to Khakpour’s review. Similarly, Khakpour argues that a contemporary Western feminist lens might read the novel as an example of female suffering or “torture porn.”. While these interpretations offer some insight, they risk oversimplifying the novel’s broader significance by applying Western norms. “The Vegetarian” resists such reductions, embodying the power of transgressive literature to challenge societal conventions, confront discomfort and engage readers with ambiguity. By encouraging exploration beyond conventional perspectives, it invites readers to question assumptions and grapple with universal themes that transcend cultural and political boundaries.
“The Vegetarian” presents a profound critique of societal expectations and personal identity, using Yeong-hye’s drastic transformation as a powerful symbol of resistance against societal pressures to conform. Han’s portrayal of her protagonist’s struggle highlights the emotional and physical toll of trying to assert autonomy in a world where norms and traditions are deeply entrenched. The novel challenges readers to confront the discomfort of nonconformity and questions the boundaries that society imposes on individuals, particularly regarding gender and identity. In this way, “The Vegetarian” does not just explore the theme of personal rebellion but also underscores the profound isolation and suffering that can come with defying societal roles.
By transcending cultural and political boundaries, Han Kang’s work speaks to the universal human condition, inviting readers from all walks of life to reflect on the complexities of identity, autonomy and societal pressures. The novel forces readers to grapple with the limitations of understanding others: both the characters in the book and the people in readers’ own lives who may struggle with similar issues. As readers venture into the unsettling world of “The Vegetarian,” they are reminded that literature has the power to open new avenues for self-reflection and challenge them to think beyond their assumptions. It is this ability to provoke thought and stir up emotions, regardless of cultural context, that makes Han’s work so timeless and impactful. The key to reading the book and unveiling a different world is in your hands — visit the Odyssey Bookshop to discover it for yourself.
Quill Nishi-Leonard ’27 contributed fact-checking.