Once again I’m linking up again with Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea who hosts a post every Tuesday for people to share the first chapter / paragraph of the book they are reading, or thinking of reading soon. In really enjoy these tasters when I read them on other blogs so wanted to join in.
This week I’m reading Human Acts by Han Kang, whose book The Vegetarian was one of my favourite books of last year and still haunts me now. Here’s what Human Acts is about…
In the midst of a violent student uprising in South Korea, a young boy named Dong-ho is shockingly killed.
The story of this tragic episode unfolds in a sequence of interconnected chapters as the victims and the bereaved encounter suppression, denial, and the echoing agony of the massacre. From Dong-ho’s best friend who meets his own fateful end; to an editor struggling against censorship; to a prisoner and a factory worker, each suffering from traumatic memories; and to Dong-ho’s own grief-stricken mother; and through their collective heartbreak and acts of hope is the tale of a brutalized people in search of a voice.
And here’s how it starts
The Boy, 1980
Looks like rain,” you mutter to yourself.
What’ll we do if it really chucks it down?
You open your eyes so that only a slender chink of light seeps in, and peer at the gingko trees in front of the Provincial Office. As though there, between those branches, the wind is about to take on visible form. As though the raindrops suspended in the air, held breath before the plunge, are on the cusp of trembling down, glittering like jewels.
When you open your eyes properly, the trees’ outlines dim and blur. You’re going to need glasses before long. This thought gets briefly disturbed by the whooping and applause that breaks out from the direction of the fountain. Perhaps your sight’s as bad now as it’s going to get, and you’ll be able to get away without glasses after all?
What do you think – I appreciate this book might not be for everyone but would you keep on reading?
Emma
One Readers Thoughts 
Emma, I liked The Vegetarian by this author so I would definitely try this one as well.
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It was good wasn’t it. I hope this is a good one too.
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I have read neither of the books mentioned, but am keen to check out this author. I would continue based on the snippet you’ve shared. Sounds like it could be quite a powerful read based on the blurb. I hope you like this book as much as the one last year.
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Me too…I so don’t want to be disappointed. I can’t recommend this yet but can The Vegetarian if you haven’t read it. Soooo good.
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I’ve seen this book everywhere and I’m curious about it. Hope you enjoy it!
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Yes they seem to becoming a well known author. I have high hopes.
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I remember reading some reviews of THE VEGETARIAN. That cover is interesting and a bit odd.
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Oh yes! From the blurb you shared and the opening, this sounds like something I might really like. I haven’t read The Vegetarian, and for awhile wasn’t all that interested, but the more I hear about it, the more interested I become. Human Acts appeals to me even more though, so I definitely would keep reading. It sounds powerful.
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I am definitely curious…and I do want to know more. Thanks for sharing…and here’s mine: “THE GOOD DAUGHTER”
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I am not sure if I would continue or not, kind of curious but at the same time it’s not something I think I would have picked up. 🙂 Curiously awaiting your review. 🙂
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I’m not sure I would have picked it up if it hadn’t been for the vegetarian but I just couldn’t resist.
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Based on the synopsis I’d say no but I did like the ‘voice’ in that opening paragraph – I’m going to await your final verdict!
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I think it will be a hard one to read (too much to pay attention to on the train the last few days so I haven’t gotten very far) but I have liked what I’ve read so far.
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This is the kind of intro I like – I’m suitably intrigued! Not heard of this author before either. Can’t wait to see what you think 🙂
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This book hasn’t really interested me but I really like the beginning. The descriptions are so vivid that I would probably keep reading though this isn’t a book I think is for me.
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It is very vivid and the image it creates are so powerful. I think you have to be in the mood to read it and it still won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I just love the writing and I feel like I am learning something about another culture.
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It doesn’t sound like my kind of book – but that is a cracking beginning. He can surely write…
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No, it definitely won’t be for everyone but I was so affected by The Vegetarian that I feel compelled to read this one and pray it’s as good.
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It’s always wonderful to come across a book that changes you so profoundly, isn’t it? I hope this one is as good, too:).
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I like the descriptive writing in the opening. I like it enough to want to read more.
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It is beautifully written and translated I think. So paints a picture.
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Both books are new to me, but I love the opening snippet you shared.
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The author was new to me till The Vegetarian but it was soooo good. I can’t recommend enough, though not everyone’s cup of team I’m guessing.
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[…] Tuesday I introduced by latest read – Human Acts by Han Kang. I loved Kang’s The Vegetarian, which I read last January and has stayed with me as one of […]
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