Chante JVR

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Despite struggling to get into my reads recently, I spotted Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 on Everand and felt drawn to it. I knew it would be a quick listen and the blurb intrigued me. I’m so happy I did. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is one of those rare books that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. Cho Nam-joo tells the story of an “ordinary” woman in South Korea, but through Kim Jiyoung’s life, she captures the everyday struggles, sacrifices, and injustices that women around the world continue to face. This novel is quiet in its storytelling, yet its impact is anything but.

From the moment Kim Jiyoung is born, she is subjected to the subtle and overt ways in which society diminishes and controls women. Whether it’s being overlooked in favour of a male sibling, facing discrimination in the workplace, or being expected to give up her identity after marriage and the birth of her children, every stage of her life is shaped by patriarchal expectations. What makes this novel so effective is that Jiyoung’s experiences are painfully mundane—she isn’t exceptional, nor is she a radical feminist; she is simply a woman trying to live her life, only to realize that the world refuses to let her exist on equal terms.

What sets this book apart is its striking blend of fiction and fact. Cho Nam-joo seamlessly integrates real statistics and studies into the narrative, reinforcing the idea that Jiyoung’s struggles aren’t just fictional—they are the reality for countless women. This approach makes the novel feel almost like a case study, a literary mirror reflecting real-life gender inequality.

The writing is unembellished but incredibly effective. There’s no dramatic flair or excessive sentimentality, yet every sentence carries weight. The detached, almost clinical tone in certain parts only amplifies the horror of Jiyoung’s reality, making the final moments of the novel all the more chilling.

Reading Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 was an emotional experience. I felt anger, frustration, sadness, and, most of all, a deep sense of recognition. It made me think about the small moments in my own life where I had shrugged off casual sexism or downplayed my own struggles because “that’s just how things are.” And that’s exactly why this book is so powerful—it forces the reader to confront the insidious nature of gender inequality and how it is woven into the fabric of everyday life.

This is an essential read, not just for women, but for anyone who wants to better understand the lived experiences of half the population. It’s a book that lingers long after you turn the last page, leaving you with a renewed sense of awareness and, hopefully, a desire for change.

Unflinching, heartbreaking, and deeply necessary—this is one novel I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.