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Literary Fiction· South Korea

The Vegetarian

by Han Kang
Aggregate Editorial Score37/100
Kirkus Reviews
Published 2007192 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Vegetarian (2007) by Han Kang continues to receive. After a disturbing dream, Yeong-hye refuses to eat meat—a decision that her family, husband, and brother-in-law interpret as mental illness and an act of rebellion to be overcome. Han Kang's Man Booker International Prize-winning novel is a harrowing exploration of bodily autonomy and patriarchy. Themes of body, autonomy, Korea run through the work. The book has received recognition from Kirkus Reviews 2007.

Book Details

AuthorHan Kang
Published2007
Country of Origin🇰🇷 South Korea
LanguageEnglish
Pages192
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781101906118
Editorial Score37/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇰🇷 South Korea

This book is part of South Korea's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from South Korea →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 2007, Han Kang's The Vegetarian is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with body, autonomy, Korea, family gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Among its recognitions: Kirkus Reviews 2007. With an editorial score of 37/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The Vegetarian for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of body, autonomy, Korea, family is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Vegetarian reflects Han Kang's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with South Korea's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Kirkus Reviews
notable · global
200710
✍️
About the Author
Han Kang
South Korea
View Author →

Han Kang is a celebrated author from South Korea known for influential works of historical fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Vegetarian about?

After a disturbing dream, Yeong-hye refuses to eat meat—a decision that her family, husband, and brother-in-law interpret as mental illness and an act of rebellion to be overcome. Han Kang's Man Booker International Prize-winning novel is a harrowing exploration of bodily autonomy and patriarchy.

Who wrote The Vegetarian?

The Vegetarian was written by Han Kang, from South Korea. First published in 2007.

What awards has The Vegetarian won?

The Vegetarian has received the following awards and honours: Kirkus Reviews 2007.

Is The Vegetarian worth reading?

The Vegetarian is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 10/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in body, autonomy, Korea.

Where can I buy The Vegetarian?

You can buy The Vegetarian on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Vegetarian?

The Vegetarian is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Vegetarian from?

The Vegetarian originates from South Korea's literary tradition. Explore more books from South Korea on our country page.

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