Q

Done with this awhile ago, and I’ve mixed feeling about it.

Some context: my personal preference for style is postmodern plots/themes, but tending towards conventional in structure. Some part of my mind still craves linearity and resolution – although the resolution can be as ludicruous as it wants to.

The Vegetarian treads the line on this.

I fell in love a few pages in, leaning against a stack of books in Eslite bookstore back in Taiwan. I loved the twisted thoughts so plainly, unabashedly, lain down by the first voice (the Vegetarian’s husband). He speaks with undisguised self-awareness, despite being a total asshole. His wife remains a mystery. And that was the hook that i got caught in. Caved and bought the book for 50c more than at Kino!!! (i cheapo)

Thereafter it descended into a bizarre, evocative dreamscape. Inner worlds and images and nightmares blend seamlessly into each other. Beautiful images, by the way. I especially loved the way carnal desire, raw and unrestrained, was contrasted with the pure, the ethereal and sacred. For me the one coherent thematic concern was that of art: when does it become pornographic? Is it the content or intention that determines its sanctity?

Beyond that, I’m slightly disappointed by the lack of insight into the Vegetarian’s head. She’s as much of a mystery – although more frustratingly so – at the end as at the start. Suspense is a hook to only a certain extent. I was waiting for the line and sinker, but got none. Is she just mad? Or was there an internal logic that governs her actions and beliefs? I wanted to be told it’s the latter, but was offered no evidence to claim it.

It was still an engaging read though. I found myself drinking it in easily without getting bored, which is so common these days. The ending was elegantly written, and the pacing felt right, but i needed more of a resolution. Something, anything. It didn’t have to explain everything, but it lacked progression. It might also be the sudden switch in voice to the Vegetarian’s sister that threw me off. I do love switching perspectives, but I’ve been riding a fast train invested in other characters

And to switch to a whole different persona, with different desires and misgivings and wants so late into the novel didn’t feel like a smart strategy. There just wasn’t enough time for me to feel emotional vested in her, and she didn’t feel like the right person to wrap the book up with. If she had given me more about the other’s inner worlds, maybe it would’ve worked. But sadly i cared too little about hers.

In general though, i liked it enough to recommend to G. It’s a nice world to get lost in for a few hours.