Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982

Beskrivelse

A powerful international bestseller, Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 has sparked important conversations about gender inequality in South Korea. This novel, translated into 18 languages, has been widely recognised for its impact and was longlisted for the National Book Awards' Translated Fiction Award in 2020.

A compelling exploration of one woman’s life highlighting systemic misogyny and social oppression.

Cho Nam-Joo’s third novel tells the story of Kim Jiyoung, a woman born at the close of the twentieth century, whose experiences reflect the harsh realities of gender discrimination in Korean society. From the very beginning, Kim Jiyoung faces societal expectations and biases: her mother’s in-laws wished for a boy, and as a sister, she shares a room while her brother enjoys his own space.

Throughout her life, Kim Jiyoung encounters numerous challenges rooted in misogyny. She is targeted by male teachers at school and blamed by her father when harassed late at night. Despite being a diligent student, she is overlooked for internships, and as a hardworking employee, she misses out on promotions.

Eventually, Kim Jiyoung sacrifices her career and independence to embrace domestic life. As pressures mount, she begins to behave unusually, struggling with depression and anger. This deeply moving narrative sheds light on the pervasive institutional obstacles women face, making it a crucial read for understanding gender inequality today.

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