Page 1 of 3
There are currently 18 member reviews
for Plant Lady
-
Rose S. (Corry, PA)
A Garden of Secrets
Plant Lady by MinYoung Kang is a blend of psychological horror and social commentary. It begins with what appears to be a mild-mannered woman and her love of plants, but gradually develops into an exploration of violence against women, relationships, loneliness, and the lasting effects of trauma.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the protagonist feels more connected to her plants than to the people around her. What starts as a quiet story about a woman who owns a plant shop slowly takes a darker turn as secrets are revealed and unsettling events begin to emerge.
Disturbing, thought-provoking, and memorable, Plant Lady is a book that leaves plenty to discuss long after the final page.
-
Jennifer B. (Oviedo, FL)
Plant Lady
Plant Lady will appeal to readers who like drama, mystery and of course, plant lovers. The surprises offered by this book are plentiful. I like the author's method of teasing out the protagonist's history throughout the book. The story takes place in South Korea, but is applicable worldwide. The writing is inventive and captivating. I liked this book from beginning to end. In a rare statement from me, I wish it were longer!
-
Jeffrey B. (Worcester, MA)
Plant Lady by Minyoung Kang (translated by Shanna Tan) - not my typical read but very good and interesting!! (Dark cozy thriller?)
"Plant Lady" by Minyoung Kang (translated by Shanna Tan) is a dark-cozy story about the owner of a plant shop in Korea and the way she deals with men who mistreat her plants and the women in their lives.
This short novel executes both the cozy and dark/suspense aspects perfectly, despite some pretty dark moments, the overall atmosphere remains cozy plant store - which itself adds to the feeling of darkness and unease.
Minyoung Kang does a remarkable job is this novel and brings the reader right up to the line where dark would become horrific. The main character is clear in her motivations and can be truly terrifying. There is no moment where things become gratuitous.
"Plant Lady" will not be for everyone but it is a very good book and manages to say a lot about society and give a view into the psychology of the main character.
Content warnings: violence, relationship violence, and animal abuse
-
Linda M. (Ocala, FL)
A Plant Shop Like No Other
The Plant Lady is a book that grabbed me from the first page. A quiet, unassuming woman from out of town opens a plant shop on a deserted street in Dosan, South Korea. She transforms the empty building and adjoining garden into a welcoming, peaceful green sanctuary for people who pass through her doors. But there's more here than meets the eye. As time passes, she not only helps people with their plants, she also has a knack for rectifying some very painful life situations. Men who torture animals, damage plants, abuse children, and mistreat their partners should be warned. Your life may be about to change. This book will appeal to readers who like a thriller and want to burn the midnight oil! Once you start, it's hard to stop until you've read the last page.
-
Lorraine D. (Lacey, WA)
JUSTICE FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE - You won't want to put the book down
A unique and captivating read from a whole different perspective of justice. Plant Lady by Kang Minyoung is a glimpse into the life of a quiet and thoughtful person who courageously leaves her home town and opens a plant store. She is knowledgeable and fastidious about understanding and pleasing her customers. She works hard every day from dawn to dusk and then some. She is a wealth of information about numerous plants, some very rare, and a resource to those she's met who trigger her empathy. Her "solutions" to customer problems are bold and sometimes gruesome. You won't want to put this book down.
-
Susan W. (Berkley, MI)
Retribution knows no boundaries
I will be thinking about this book for awhile. There were parts I particularly liked, the specific information about various plants, the setting of the book being somewhere I have never been, and flashbacks filling in missing details throughout the novel. However, I found the ending unsettling. It was consistent with the progress of the plot, but nevertheless, for me it was, not to reveal too much, not the ending I had hoped for.
I think most readers will enjoy the book.
-
Laurie F. (Brookline, MA)
Revenge Murder with a Botanical Twist
Plant Lady was a light and entertaining murder mystery. Yoohee is the owner of a small plant store in a small village. She loves her plants, but at the same time seeks murderous revenge against men who have hurt her or other women who frequent her shop. The local detective senses that Yoohee is connected to missing men in the area. Can he prove it??
