This book is made up of moments, just moments, and how they affect someone. The author adds lots of facts/survey results to support her opinion, and to bring credibility to the issues that she highlights.Īs for the plot, there isn’t a ‘single big event’ that shapes the story. The writing style is a mixture of facts and fiction. Narrated from the perspective of Jiyoung’s psychiatrist, this book follows the story of Jiyoung’s birth, teenage, adulthood, and marriage. She is just another faceless woman whose existence revolves around her family. Even her name is one of the most common names for Korean girls. The interesting part of the story is just how ordinary Jiyoung is. Sounds familiar, right? While reading this book, I was quite shocked and furious because the way women are treated in the Korean society is very similar to how women are treated here in India.Īs the story progresses, Jiyoung starts losing her individual identity and becomes a non-entity, just a mere ‘ someone in the crowd’. – was supposed to leave everything behind and start a family. – was overlooked for promotions in the workplace because “ women can’t lead teams because of marriage, maternity leaves, and kids.” – faced sexual harassment and was blamed for it. – was born in a family where the in-laws wanted a boy. Starting with a very unusual premise, this book deals with the themes of gender discrimination, sexism, and patriarchy in the Korean society.Īn honest, frustrating, and important read – that is how I would sum up Kim Jiyoung’s story.Ĭho Nam-Joo captures the plight of women in contemporary society with utmost brilliance. As the story progresses, we get to know what chain of events lead to such drastic changes in Jiyoung.

She truly, and flawlessly becomes that person as if she’s possessed. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t seem like a joke. She starts impersonating the voices of different women- old acquaintances, classmates -some living, some dead, and other women whom she has met before. But soon her husband notices some strange symptoms in Jiyoung. She has recently left her job so that she can take care of her daughter.

Set in South Korea, this book follows the story of a 33-year-old Jiyoung who lives a very ordinary life with her husband and toddler on the outskirts of Seoul.

It’s your fault for not noticing and not avoiding.” – Cho Nam-Joo, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 “Jiyoung grew up being told to be cautious, to dress conservatively, to be “ladylike.” That it’s your job to avoid dangerous places, times of day and people.

Cho nam joo books