A book everyone should read; Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a work of art that takes us through the very special life and adventure of Kim living in South Korea and exposes the difficulties she has to face living in a society run by men. The character might be any woman in society. It does not necessarily have to be about Kim Jiyoung, she is just the lens we use to understand and see this world some of us might experience similarly. But what makes this book a star is a fact that this whole story is through a therapist's eyes. The writer makes us believe that this story might change the therapist's perspective but it just ends up showing us that even though woman works hard to protect themselves they will always be oppressed if the rest of the public doesn’t change.

The writing is straightforward thus, accessible to all. This book has to be read by everyone. I not only show what Kim Jiyoung goes through but also what women have to experience daily. It is a powerful text. It seems informative rather than a fiction piece. Cho Nam-Joo even goes further with this experience as he actually uses real data in footnotes. This just not only shows how the story is real but it also makes the points stronger and hence possibly more influential to the readers and even the critics.

But this book is not only an informative novel but, also a heartwarming and entertaining story. Kim Jiyoung is building her life in a misogynistic society. We grow up with her, we go through all the stages of her life and hence all the different ways sexism can be portrayed. Kim Jiyoung is a powerful woman who is still affected by the sexism that she encountered. This is what changes her and what makes her go to a point when she can’t handle it and therefore she is not capable of keep on living this way.

This book has taught me a lot. Women in South Korea go through so much and they just have to cope with it and live with it. It is an educational feminist novel that is meant for both women and men to understand. The writer is capable of blending political and social views making an extremely convincing argument. It has captured many people, including me, and I can't wait for it to capture many more. It is most effective and Jiyoung is not a raging feminist and she does not voice her opinion, she is rather a passive and quiet individual who explodes.

It also shows us how sexism does not necessarily have to be violence or massive acts against women but the small things that build up against us behind the surface. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 follows a normal story, one that many might be able to relate with, without having have noticed that might have affected them throughout time.

Cho Nam-Joo does not have to voice her opinion too loudly, her point comes across way stronger than maybe another type of text might have done. You understand and emphasise with her as you grow up next to her. You understand her pain and you want to help her through the pages. it is impossible and you are heartbroken but, you have learnt that there is so much pain within her and many other women. Cho Nam-Joo has broken your heart and you have fallen in love with this book. This is the effect that will make you understand why this book must be read.

Therefore, you must read this book to understand its powerful words. It’s not a feminist novel because it is showing the problems women face but, because it’s making a difference showing us that the problem is what we face and how society is dealing with it. It’s a feminist novel because you learn and you understand. It’s a feminist novel because it’s true.