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There are currently 32 member reviews
for Plant Lady
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Kevin H. (Littleton, CO)
Difficult to Classify, But a Surprisingly Enjoyable Quick Read
Plant Lady by Kang Minyoung is a challenging book to categorize. A very quick read, there are segments of the book that can fit into a number of genres. I think I will land on a revenge black-comedy thriller as my best stab at classification. The book was not quite what I expected upon starting, and indeed it took a few pages to acclimate to the tone and narrative style. Once this happened, the plot moved lightning-quick through a series of episodes.
Set in South Korea, Yoohee is the owner of a plant shop, who has a history that is slowly revealed that leads her in a direction that becomes apparent near the beginning of the story. Without giving too much away, I suspect the novel will be most enjoyed by young women, but this unique story has something for any reader to enjoy. I've never quite read anything like it, but I found it to be very enjoyable. If you enjoy quick-paced, genre-bending stories, you will enjoy this one.
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Elizabeth (Oregon)
Rage against the patriarchy
Excellent! This construction of this book is fantastic and propulsive, I tore right through it. Each chapter is just the right length and self-contained although the themes are carried throughout. Yoohee's past is explained in bit and pieces building up to the last chapter. The description of Korean actions towards women was expected but I was interested to see the police's dismissive attitudes toward men of bad reputations.
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Lauren M. (Washington, DC)
An Exceptional Atmospheric Thriller
This book is small but mighty, just like the novel's protagonist. It was slow paced, but the emotions were high and the author found the prefect balance of social commentary and suspense. I'm surprised by how much I loved the ending, but it won't be for everyone. It placed importance on the main character's arc and not the arc of the mystery aspect of the book, and I found that moving.
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Deborah G. (Black Mountain, NC)
If Only People Were Like Plants!
In a note at the end of her novel Plant Lady, author Minyoung Kang explains "If only we were seeing hope of a better world and society, this novel might have taken a different direction." Her title character, Yoohee, owner of a thriving Plant Shop, believed "humans are just like plants"—none are beyond rescuing if she watched for problems. She realizes that this is not true of her relationships, especially with men. Yoohee's way of resolving these problems for herself and other women is the core of her story. The author's weaving of a love of plants with female rage give the novel a universal feel even though it is set in South Korea. As a gardener I appreciated the book's organization around six different plants, some of them unfamiliar. As a woman, I understand her choice of direction, while hoping we will find a better way!
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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.
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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!
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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
