KIM JIYOUNG, BORN 1982 BY CHO NAM-JOO (TRANSLATED FROM THE KOREAN BY JAMIE CHANG)

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BOOK NAME: KIM JIYOUNG, BORN 1982

AUTHOR NAME: CHO NAM-JOO (TRANSLATED FROM THE KOREAN BY JAMIE CHANG)

GENRE: CONTEMPORARY FICTION / BIOGRAPHY 

PUBLISHER: SCRIBNER UK

BOOK BUY LINK: https://amzn.in/d/4WK1KEi


BOOK COVER IMAGE



BOOK REVIEW

Some fiction books are purely imaginary, while some are loosely based on actual events. Only a few are jarring images of reality woven into the pages because they need to be told and retold for ages to come. Kim Jiyoung is a book based on the individual’s struggle from birth to becoming a mother. Most often, it doesn’t feel like Kim Jiyoung’s story alone, but it belongs to women in general who have been through hell. 

Kim Jiyoung, the second daughter of a three-children family, has witnessed prejudice since birth at home. Later, she navigates life through the social construct that expects women to be subservient and perfect. She is nonplussed to discover that motherhood is something she doesn’t have a say in and that a mother is expected to behave a certain way, as set by society.


This book concentrates more on the Korean culture and the stigma and patriarchal standards set in the country. However, as a reader, I forgot that it was set in Korea because her story was very much palpable and resonated with me. I have heard of such women, seen some, and been one at certain points. And it hurts to accept that it doesn’t stop here and will continue in the future, too. But reading books like this is essential for people who have the privilege of not knowing what patriarchy is because that’s how we get enlightened. 


I especially loved the stress on work-life balance, the gender pay gap, and the problems of working mothers. It’s partly biographical and narrated like fiction, and the translation is commendable. The language might be monotonous, but the story isn’t, and it’s a must-read for everyone out there. 



MY REVIEW: 5/5

This is a part of Blogchatter’s #TBRchallenge

#penbooksandscalpel





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