Why people recommend it
The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a surreal and disturbing translated novel about a South Korean woman whose sudden decision to stop eating meat plunges her family and society into a cascade of psychological turmoil and tragic alienation. On The Book Review, Greg Cowles brought up the acclaimed novel as a standout international title that he planned to read, noting its selection as one of the best books of the year. Jennifer Szalai mentioned on the same podcast that she had finally finished the publication, expressing relief at reading a profound literary work rather than tales of dying dogs. Alexandra Alter cited the novel on The Book Review as a prime example of international books successfully crossing over into the UK market before achieving massive traction in the United States. Parul Sehgal also named the publication while reviewing contemporary translated literature. Reviewers and hosts frequently return to the novel to discuss its chilling exploration of bodily autonomy, patriarchal oppression, and psychological fracturing, cementing its status as a modern classic of contemporary world literature that continues to captivate readers across cultural boundaries with its haunting imagery and profound thematic resonance.
Who recommended it
- Alexandra Alter Discussed
- Greg Cowles Recommended
- Parul Sehgal Discussed
Alexandra Alter — 1 mention
“we saw that with h kangs the vegetarian and other books like that”
Greg Cowles — 1 mention
“one book I I have not read the vegetarian yet and I know Pamela you really enjoyed that this year and we picked it as one of our best of the year”
Parul Sehgal — 1 mention
“the vegetarian by H Kang”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 1
“listeners will be happy to know that I finished the vegetarian Han Kang's novel so no lurd readings about dying dogs”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Dept. of Speculation
- Hamilton
- A Man Called Ove
- A Rage for Order
- A Spy Among Friends Kim Philby And The Great Betrayal
- American innovations
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“her book The vegetarian which is probably if you know any of her books”