Tristan's choices
Theme: Metamorphosis (aka disturbing things made by those pesky foreigners)
Tristan wanted unsettling and that’s exactly what he got
READ: The Vegetarian (2007) by Han Kang
We all enjoyed and appreciated Han Kang’s book with the notable exception of Hamish who labelled it a dull read.
The portrait of Yeong-Hye, a woman withdrawing (into mental illness?) and related in three parts: (1) by her dull, unimaginative husband; (2) by her brother-in-law, who becomes obsessed and then exploitative, and (3) by her sister, the only person who truly cares about her
Both Yeong-Hye and her sister In-Hye have very disinterested husbands. Is this coincidence? Or is it their family background which may have contributed to her breakdown?
Interesting that Yeong Hye rejecting meat is so transgressive and beyond the pale.
Despite possibly being a book about the patriarchy (the author denies this), there’s also a universality about it. Few of us haven’t felt like retreating into ourselves as a form of protest at having pressure and expectation heaped upon us.
It’s a powerful, original and atmospheric read that packs quite a punch. There’s some vivid imagery and a palpable sense of tragic withdrawal and subsequent loss of opportunities.
Very matter of fact style that is easy to read and which belies some quite challenging content. If this is representative of South Korean society then it is the patriarchy on steroids.
Vivid and violent scenes include Yeong Hye clearing freezer of meat, Yeong Hye’s father forcing the family dog to run behind a motorbike, Yeong Hye’s family intervention including slapping her and trying to force feed her meat, Yeong Hye’s brother in law’s dream about bodies painted with flowers, lengthy handstands in the hospital, and more force feeding. No wonder she wanted out of being human.
Nick 8 / Tristan 7 / Nigel 9 / Keith 6 / Roland - / Robin 7 / Hamish 3
LISTEN: Transphormer (2004) by Alter Ego
Hamish loves electronic music, but not this onslaught. Tristan wanted a contrast to Taverner’s choral music from last month. Spiky and raw but he likes it. Robin thought it dreadful. Keith dubbed it ordinary. Nick liked it and thought it evoked The Streets
Nick - / Tristan 9 / Nigel 4 / Keith - / Roland - / Robin 7 / Hamish 2
WATCH: The Skin I Live In (2011) directed by Pedro Almodovar
Nigel thought it was silly and could not get past the implausibilities. Hamish thought it was brilliant: a captivating, stylish, beautiful, terrifying, memorable work. Keith thought it had aged poorly. Tristan appreciated the insanity and weirdness, which had merit. Nick said it was a nuts schlocky horror flick.
Nick - / Tristan - / Nigel 3 / Keith - / Roland - / Robin - / Hamish 8
HBG endorse it: 19th April 2024 - 22 May 2024
Nye (National Theatre)
NTS Radio (Ad free Internet radio station/App)
Romesh Ranganathan / Hustle (Live)
The Abbey with Alan Bennett (BBC iPlayer)
The Other Boleyn Girl (Chichester festival theatre)
The Making Of Berlin (Brighton Festival)
Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
