Greek Lessons by Han Kang

International Booker Prize winning author of Vegetarian; 149 pages; Published by Penguin 01/02/24; Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.1 x 19.6 cm

The blue symbol on the bright white background drew me to this book, the title also intrigued me, having finally embarked on my English degree course back in September where we kicked off with Greek dramas.

I enjoyed this as I am now more familiar with many aspects of this book, which is ideal for fellow students or anyone knowing and/or having some understanding of the catharsis of Greek drama.

I found this story very poignant for myself with my own poor papa suffering with his eyes and gradually going blind along with his gruelling cancer battle. I feel this was the final straw for him. I did find this one really pulling on my emotions.

I wonder what my university tutor will think if I say I felt at times it was like reading a prose poem. I admit languages do baffle me and I wish I could speak more than one however it does not put me off reading and educating myself in different languages and through my course I am studying I am certainly venturing more into translated books.

This particular novel is delightfully thought provoking and ideal for reading in just a morning. I had planned to read Saturday afternoon but life took over so I enjoyed this Sunday morning instead.

This book is very lightweight, naturally given its general size and page count, and has a very soft cover. There is a lot of space around the text making it ideal for travel or reading in a waiting room or perhaps over a lunch hour or two. Remember that old saying ‘good things come in small packages‘  that certainly what we have here.

I am nervous, but looking forward going along to my first Bath Waterstones book club next week to discuss this book. I’d love to know if you’re going.

Apologies this is rather short but sweet without going into narrative plot and characters this is all I feel I can offer as always I promise no spoilers.