Human Acts by Han Kang

Description

“Human Acts” is a novel written by South Korean author Han Kang. Originally published in Korean in 2014 with the title “소년이 온다” (“The Boy Comes”), the English translation by Deborah Smith was published in 2016.

The novel is a work of historical fiction that explores the impact of the Gwangju Uprising in South Korea in 1980. The Gwangju Uprising was a pro-democracy movement that was brutally suppressed by the military regime. The narrative of “Human Acts” unfolds through a series of interconnected stories and perspectives, tracing the aftermath of the uprising and its lasting effects on individuals and society.

The title “Human Acts” suggests a reflection on the nature of humanity and the profound consequences of political and social upheaval. Han Kang’s writing is known for its poetic and evocative style, and “Human Acts” continues this tradition as it addresses themes of trauma, memory, and the search for justice.

The novel received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and its exploration of the human cost of political violence. It offers a poignant and thought-provoking examination of a dark chapter in South Korean history and its enduring impact on the lives of those who lived through it.