The White Book

The White Book by Han Kang is a poetic meditation on life, loss, and memory, structured around the symbolism of the color white. Known for her exploration of human suffering and resilience, Han Kang delves into her own history, reflecting on the life of her older sister, who died shortly after birth. The narrative is presented in a series of vignettes, each focused on a "white" object or concept, such as snow, rice, or swaddling bands, which serve as symbols of purity, fragility, and the transience of life. This work combines prose, poetry, and visual elements to convey the author's reflections on grief, beauty, and the enduring impact of those we lose.

Why Read This Book

• Unique literary style that merges prose and poetry, inviting deep reflection on loss and memory.
• Explores universal themes of grief, identity, and human connection through an intimate lens.
• Poignant use of color symbolism, where white represents both presence and absence, bringing new layers of meaning to everyday objects.
• Experimental and reflective narrative, providing an unconventional and moving reading experience.

About the Author:

Han Kang is a South Korean author known internationally for her powerful storytelling and explorations of human emotion, trauma, and resilience. She gained global acclaim with The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. Han often draws from her own experiences and Korean history, tackling difficult themes with lyrical prose and philosophical depth. Her work has been celebrated for its courage in addressing difficult subject matter and its exploration of the boundaries of the human psyche.