We Do Not Part

Han Kang’s prose is stunning, immersive, and at times hypnotic. The imagery in We Do Not Part often stopped me in my tracks with its beauty.

That said, this book just wasn’t for me because its positive aspects were dragged down by the heaviness of the content, which is steeped in war violence, trauma, and the lingering psychological aftermath of conflict.

While Kang explores these themes in a deeply creative way, I often found myself feeling distanced rather than engaged. The violence was emotionally exhausting.

I admire this novel for its ambition and artistry, but the subject matter and emotional tone left me cold. A beautifully written book that I can’t say I enjoyed.