Violets - Kyung-Sook Shin

4/5 ⭐

Translated from the original Korean, Violets gives the reader a look into the complexities of not only San’s life but offers a reflection on mental illness, violence, and loneliness.

The novel starts with the tragic upbringing of Oh San and her dysfunctional family that one by one abandons her for their own gain. A defining moment with her only friend, Namae in the minari field they grew up near also leads to Namae distancing herself from San. Leaving her all alone.

Years later she finds herself working in a flower shop with a mute boss and assertive coworker who she becomes fast friends and roommates with. This work is definitely more character-driven rather than plot-driven.

This is the first work by Shin that I have read and I can understand all the hype about her distinct language. Her writing is incredible. The language is soft-spoken and subtle in its exploration of loneliness and desire for something else. Something more. Definitely more for the woman in Korean society. She exposes toxic masculinity and depicts the neglect women face and how easy it is for them to be targeted and violated.

Thanks to Anton Hur’s wonderful translation, this voice carries from the original Korean.

5/10/22

*This review was previously posted on my Google Site.

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