KIM JIYOUNG, BORN 1982

Kathleen Choe's controlled narration is perfect for this controversial commentary on Korea's patriarchal society. When 30-something Kim JiYoung begins to have dissociative episodes during which she channels the voices of other people, her husband sends her to be treated--by a male psychiatrist. Choe's authentic Korean pronunciations help illuminate this concise allegorical novella. She effectively contrasts Kim JiYoung's spirited voice when she defies gender discrimination at home and school, and her resignation when she's finally relegated to being a powerless wife and mother. Choe's quietly powerful performance highlights the theme of inequality in this poignant story, making for a subtly edgy listening experience. M.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2020]