48 pages • 1 hour read •
Human Acts
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Gwangju, South Korea • 1980s
2014
Hogarth
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Human Acts by Han Kang explores the Gwangju Uprising of 1980 and its aftermath through the experiences of various characters, primarily focusing on Dong-ho, a middle-school boy killed by the army. The novel delves into themes of trauma, grief, and the enduring impact of state violence on individuals and society. The novel features graphic depictions of violence, sexual violence, and death, and mentions a death by suicide.
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Emotional
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
36,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In Human Acts, Han Kang delivers a profoundly moving narrative that delves into the Gwangju Uprising's brutal aftermath through interconnected stories. The prose is celebrated for its lyrical and evocative style, but some critics note the graphic violence may be overwhelming. Overall, the novel is lauded for its powerful exploration of human suffering and resilience.
Who Should Read Human Acts?
Readers who appreciate deeply moving narratives about human resilience and the trauma of political violence will be drawn to Han Kang's Human Acts. Fans of works like The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Beloved by Toni Morrison will find this novel's poetic prose and emotional depth compelling.
36,164 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jeong-dae
Jeong-dae
A young boy who has a strong connection with Dong-ho, and his experiences continue posthumously.
Eun-sook
Eun-sook
A student volunteer who experiences lasting effects from the historical events, including significant emotional struggles.
Seon-ju
Seon-ju
A woman with a background in labor work, whose history influences her current life and relationships.
Jin-su
Jin-su
A character deeply affected by past traumas, whose story includes reflections on human nature and the soul.
The Unnamed Prisoner
The Unnamed Prisoner
A character connected with others through shared experiences, who explores the personal impact of trauma and introspection.
The Writer
The Writer
A narrative voice that serves as a bridge to the author, engaging with history and its emotional toll.
Human Acts by Han Kang was originally published in Korean in 2014 under the title "Sonyeoni Onda" and was translated into English by Deborah Smith, receiving widespread acclaim for its haunting prose.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal, real-life event in South Korea's history, emphasizing themes of humanity and the human body.
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Han Kang won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016 for her novel The Vegetarian, bringing international attention and critical acclaim to her subsequent works, including Human Acts.
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224
Novel • Fiction
Gwangju, South Korea • 1980s
2014
Hogarth
Adult
18+ years
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