Another Person

A lot of heavy stuff to unpack in this book. I thought the writing was really interesting. Timely story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

A moving and powerful novel about sexism and very important themes present in todays society. This was rich and sharp and made me uncomfortable, as I imagine was the intention. It was beautiful written and paced and made me think. A rich novel.

Our main girl Jina is dealing with some seriously heavy stuff after getting out of an abusive relationship with a coworker, and now she's got the whole internet coming after her for speaking up.

Hwagil's writing is like a punch to the gut - it's raw, it's real, and it doesn't sugarcoat anything. It's definitely uncomfortable at times, and I remember reflecting that certain language choices felt especially raw and ugly, but in quite an artful way. I think the language really reflects Jina's character and emotional state.

The story jumps around between different characters and times, which can be a bit confusing at first, but it really drives home just how messed up Jina's life has become. It's like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle with half the pieces missing, but in a way that makes you feel everything Jina's going through. I will confess there were times when I wasn't entirely sure who's POV we were inhabiting, and I did get a bit lost with all the bouncing around, but the story continues to flow.

I was intrigued by the "#MeToo in South Korea" premise that others have mentioned, and that definitely played out on the page. There was much more of a focus on university than the workplace.

Now, the book does try to tackle a lot of big ideas, and sometimes it feels like it's biting off more than it can chew. There are so many characters and themes flying around that it can be hard to keep track of everything. And if you're not super familiar with Korean culture, some of the references might go over your head, or get lost in translation.

I'd recommend this book for fans of female rage, unreliable narrators, unconventional prose and translated women's lit.

Great, hugely thought-provoking. I'd love to read more from this author as her wonderful prose stunned me in the best way possible. Highly recommended.

I can really feel the lead character's pain. Not only that, I was brought to hate the reply of the company. Can't believe we are still trying to get the victims' voice to be heard.

Poignant, deep and really raw, I really love the writing. It is painful, I know but I still enjoy reading this.

A fascinating story that provides a view into gender politics. It can be an uncomfortable read but as part of a new wave of feminist literature, I wouldn't expect anything less. The subject is well-handled and explored.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my free digital ARC!

This was a tough read - perhaps surprising to no one given it's pitched as the #MeToo meets Kim JiYoung, Born 1982. It starts out with a woman living in the aftermath of a domestic abuse case with her ex-partner, a colleague, which has resulted in a shit storm of social media hate - aimed at her. Another Person explores the culture of sexual violence against women in South Korea (specifically on university campuses), the misogyny that's ingrained in a lot of South Korean men, as well as beauty standards and colourism.

It's absolutely an infuriating read, and about midway through it did start to grind me down a bit, become tiresome. We spend a lot of time in the heads of and interacting with men who firmly believe women to be inferior. Men who claim to be feminists then go on to spout the most misogynistic drivel you've ever heard. Men who use back-handed compliments and gaslighting to manipulate women into staying in abusive relationships. Men who think women owe them something for doing something vaguely kind. Men who prey on vulnerable and lonely girls. Often times the women don't fare much better. It's brutal the way some of them turn on other girls, quick to slut-shame and victim blame, turning mean and cold so that they don't find themselves associated with girls with a 'reputation'. But there is a note of hope as the women in the book overcome the competitiveness society tries to ingrain in them, in order to life and support one another.

This book flits between timelines and perspectives, showing how everyone knows someone who's been affected in some way by sexual violence. However, the storylines started to get a bit jumbled for me. It would be difficult for a while to figure out who was speaking, and which period we were in.

Also I learned while reading this book that South Korea has something legally defined as 'quasi-rape' so that was fun.

A must-read if you're looking for a book that explores the MeToo movement and sexual violence, but just go in prepared.

Be warned when starting this novel that it has some difficult subject matter. The author explores abusive relationships, sexual assaults, and other issues of sexism in modern day Korea. Although this book as heavy content, it is still a compelling read that people will be talking about for years to come.

We all know how toxic today's culture can be and Kang Hwagil uses her extraordinary gift with words to put the reader directly into all of those toxic problems, while showing how someone can survive, can become stronger, and can learn to rise above the trauma that has been inflicted on them.

Beautifully written; heartbreakingly depressing; completely satisfying.

Formatting for kindle isn't completely polished, with some capitalization in the wrong places (start of each chapter), or missed entirely.

The exploration of feminism and societal expectations of women from a South Korean perspective is eye-opening, as there are more social complexities that international audiences may not have considered.

I greatly enjoyed the commentary on how societal pressure makes women internalise misogynistic ideals and turn against other women who have had the same experiences - punishing those who speak against abuse and campaigning for change.

I wish there was more in-depth discussion to questions raised as there seems to be a quantity over quality issue later into the book (discussion of religion, abortion, rape, guilt, blame...etc). These feel incomplete and open ended - leaving readers to come to conclusions rather than suggesting solutions that align with the characters beliefs.

The use of perspectives can be confusing due to formatting and the many characters that the reader has to follow. Lee Kanghyun and Kim Donghee could have been characters that were discussed through Jina or Sujins memories.

It may be an issue of translation and localisation however Donghee is comically evil, seen without a hint of remorse, understanding, or compassion. This may be intentional due to the books feminist message, however all men are written to be extremely terrible or for the case of Sujins husband 'he's a good guy' with little explanation of what makes him good - along with continuous speculation that he's actually bad. (To be fair to the author; Lee Kanghyun is also written to be complacent and misogynistic).

Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to new works by the author, with hopefully more two-dimensional characters.

"Another Person" by Kang Hwagil is a powerful and necessary exploration of the long-lasting consequences of sexism and misogyny on university campuses, particularly in South Korea.
The story follows Jina, a woman who returns to her alma mater after seeing an anonymous comment online that forces her to confront the trauma she experienced during her time at university. The comment is a cruel and vicious attack, using language that is both hurtful and familiar. It's a jarring reminder of the toxic culture that women often face on campus.
As I read this novel, I was struck by the way it highlights how women are often pitted against each other, competing for attention and validation from men. The characters in this book are complex and multi-dimensional, but they are also brutal in their treatment of each other. It's a difficult read, not because it's graphic or gratuitous, but because it's a searing indictment of how women are dehumanized and objectified.
The writing is sharp and intelligent, with a keen eye for detail. The author doesn't shy away from exploring the darkest corners of human nature but also offers moments of hope and resilience. It's a testament to the strength and solidarity of the women who have survived these experiences.
If I have any criticisms, it's that the storylines can be a bit messy at times. The multiple perspectives and timelines can be confusing, and it took me a while to keep track of who was speaking and when. But overall, this is a minor quibble in a powerful and necessary novel.
"Another Person" is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It's a wake-up call to all of us who have been complacent about how women are treated on campus. It's a reminder that we must do better, that we must create spaces where women can thrive without fear of harassment or violence. This book is a necessary step towards that goal.

Def not a light read! It’s one of those books you have to be in the mood for (and psychologically prepared to read).

Energy: Abashed. Raw. Resigned.
Scene: 🇰🇷 Anjin and Seoul, South Korea in the 1990s/2000s.
Perspective: We follow multiple perspectives giving their experiences around feminism, sexual abuse, misogyny, domestic violence, and unhealthy relationships. Sometimes we know who is speaking and other times they are peripheral to the main story. For example, a medical worker, a professor, a high school friend etc. Told in three parts.

🐕 Howls: Hyper-focus on trauma with repeating (not repetitive) exploration and commentary made this feel so long and dense sometimes.
🐩 Tail Wags: The snapshot essay style. Different viewpoints that show, not tell. Thought-provoking commentary and discussions. Excellent translation.

🤔 Random Thoughts:
Check content heads-up! This could be validating or super triggering and a little too accurate depending on your past experiences and where you are in your life journey right now.

I wouldn't say this is trauma porn, but there is a LOT and it’s the entire focus of every single chapter. Everything from rejection by peers to violent sexual abuse. I liked that the reveals helped me feel for the characters even when I didn’t understand their actions or was getting judgey. But (and this will sound awful) …it’s so focused on all the characters traumas that I forgot who experienced what as the stories start to overlap.

If you aren’t familiar with Korean naming, just have Google nearby to help you get the hang of it, then it'll be easier to keep track of characters

🤓 Reader Role: Characters speaking to us and thinking aloud. Others reflecting and we are privy to their thoughts via third person narrator who also assists with showing us the significance of events.
🗺️ World-Building: Barren. Mentions place names but we are mostly in the characters' minds or exploring concepts and commentary.
🔥 Fuel: Emotional investment, moral dilemmas, and crossing paths where seemingly unrelated characters stories overlap in surprising and meaningful ways.
📖 Cred: Hyper-realistic.

Mood Reading Match-Up:
Fresh grass. Misty lake. Ripe persimmon. Karaoke bar. Stained glass. Choral voices. Sobbing. Jane Eyre.
-Psychological literary fiction
-Show-more-than-tell commentary on power dynamics, abuse, misogyny, and victim blaming
-Coming of age examination of friendships with consequences
-Stream of consciousness essay style
-Jumping between thoughts and characters
-Observational (from a distance) character focused narratives
-Book club/buddy read deep dives
-Topics from a 1990s/early 2000s viewpoint (unfortunately much is still relevant today)
-Second hand cringe, morally complex characters
-Symbolism and metaphors with a touch of purple prose
-Large cast of characters
-Random snapshot POVs that ultimately interconnect

Content Heads-Up: Physical assault. Victim shaming/blaming. Sexual assault, rape (by partner; intoxicated/no memory). Peer rejection. Bullying (rumours, body shaming). Misogyny. Medical (discussion; STIs, cervical cancer, pus). Alcohol (casual, parties). Possible false accusation. Abortion. Parental/in-law pressure. Suicidal ideation, planning (on page, descriptive). Loss of grandparent. Toxic masculinity. Body shaming (weight gain, ageing). Incest, pedophilia (very brief mention). Infertility.

Rep: Dark and light skin tones. Korean. Cisgender. Heterosexual.

📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from Pushkin Press and NetGalley.

My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a really tough read at times, the subject matter is very deep and emotional but this was written so well.

There were some very tense moments but I never felt bogged down by it. I do love Korean feminist fiction so this really hit the mark for me.

4 stars.

Jina is a young Korean woman who having publicly outed an abusive male colleague she was having a relationship with is facing an online backlash, even her former employers are more concerned that she might have damaged their image than with her welfare. Amongst the barrage of victim-blaming there is a short comment alluding to her Anjin University days and stirring up bitter memories of the toxic culture of misogyny and abuse that marred the lives of so many of it's female students . Thinking she knows the culprit Jina decides to return to Anjin to confront the tormentor hiding behind the username. Jina's journey disturbs a hornet's nest as the secrets and lies of the past are exposed.

I really struggled with this book for the first few chapters,it switches between timelines and sometimes it's not clear which character's "voice" is being used or what they're referring to in which timeline,which can be very confusing.
Once past that though I was gripped. The story goes right back to Jina's childhood,one friendship in particular, and shows how upbringing can influence people's entire lives and self-perception. The book explores not only the toxic and misogynist culture that south Korea is still notorious for,but the struggle abused women have to be listened to in the first place ,why so many are reluctant to report such behaviour and the way society invariably labels them as either liars or complicit in some way in their ordeal.

The story is complex and involving,the voices are of the abused,the abusers and those who aid and abet by trying to cover up or join in the victim-blaming. Characterisation is strong ,none of the protagonists is perfect, and it's a powerful and often disturbing read.

While I found the beginning overly complex,and nearly gave up on it, I'm glad I persevered as once the story gets into it's stride this is an exceptional piece of writing.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Pushkin Press in exchange for a free and honest review.

This story follows a group of characters connected through Anjin University. While there many women suffered abuse/ harassment. This was a very hard hitting book that tackled very difficult topics such as; sexual assault/ abuse, physical abuse within relationships, misogyny and etc. This book was very eye opening about the Korean legal system and what constitutes rape. The term quasi-rape/ acquaintance rape was so maddening, as there is a belief that rape is done by strangers only. This story also shows that the lack of action by those in leadership positions and/ or insufficient punishment for perpetrators allows this toxic cycle to continue. Overall, a tough but necessary read and I would recommend but will advise readers to check the trigger warnings.

In addition, the translation by Claire Richards was well done

"Another Person" by Kang Hwagil is a compelling and psychologically intense novel that delves deep into the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and the dark undercurrents of human relationships. Kang’s writing is sharp and evocative, creating a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.

The story follows a protagonist who is grappling with the pressures of conforming to societal norms while trying to maintain a sense of self. As the narrative unfolds, the lines between who they are and who they are expected to be begin to blur, leading to a gripping exploration of what it means to truly know oneself or another person. The novel is steeped in themes of alienation, the search for authenticity, and the often-conflicting demands of society versus personal desires.

Kang Hwagil masterfully uses tension and atmosphere to create a sense of unease that permeates the story. The characters are complex and multifaceted, each struggling with their own inner conflicts and the masks they wear in public. The novel’s pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to slowly piece together the deeper layers of the characters and the overarching mystery that ties them together.

"Another Person" is not just a psychological thriller but also a profound commentary on the human condition and the facades we create. Kang Hwagil has crafted a novel that challenges readers to question the nature of identity and the lengths to which one might go to maintain it—or escape from it. This book is perfect for those who enjoy literary fiction that delves into the darker aspects of psychology and society, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.

Excellent read, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me access an advance copy of this title in exchange for my feedback.

Kang Hwagil's Another Person is a fascinating novel which heavily draws on modern day issues faced by women in Korea (for those uninitiated - the nth Room and Burning Sun incidents give an insight that society is still very much a patriarchal one where men committing offences don't suffer little to no ramifications for their actions whilst the victim usually a woman is treated as though the entire incident is due to her actions - that she was asking for it, with accusations of such coming from fellow women who have encountered the exact same issues.) Jina's experience causes her to reflect and research on a the death of a university friend who Jina now realises had been in a similar relationship to the one which she has just left, convinced she was murdered she relives the past to find out the culprit behind it all.