Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is an unsettling, minimalistic novel that's almost dystopian. Against the backdrop of a changing Korea, we learn how many obstacles remain for Korea's women. An interesting choice, Kim Jiyoung serves almost as an "everywoman" in Korean society. The novel showcases the struggles that she and the women around her face in everyday life. Showing not only her issues but the issues of people around her. What surprises me is how many of the issues faced can also be extrapolated to other women around the world. No wonder this book seems to have resonated with such a global audience. Yet, Cho Nam-Joo uses some juxtaposition in showing how things are slowly improving for Korean women. Even if it's not fast enough. This novel has opened my eyes to the struggle that women face. It's disheartening to see how much women had to face and how their issues continue to be minimalized. No wonder this book sparked a feminist uproar in Korea. I hope that more people can read this and take their learning to their own societies to advocate for better women's rights. 4.5/5. Rounded to a 5. Chilling, minimalistic, and disheartening. Yet with a sliver of optimism at the end of the tunnel, even if many things stay the same. Easy to read and should be more widely read.