The White Book

The White Book by Han Kang is a profound and refined narrative that immerses the reader in reflections on life, death, and the possibility of reconciliation with oneself. The book offers a personal and philosophical perspective on life, intertwined with the concept of the white color, which manifests as a symbol of purity, but also as a metaphor for death and loss. In her story, Han Kang uses personal experiences to explore the deep, sometimes painful connection between life and death, using white objects and imagery that raise questions about identity, pain, and existence.

The book is narrated through the eyes of a woman reflecting on the loss of her baby, who did not survive after birth. Through these personal notes, letters, and observations, Han Kang leads us along the path of sorrow, grief, and the idea of forgiveness. The white color, which she builds her narrative around, represents not only a metaphor for mourning but also for healing, rebirth, and hope. The novel is a meditation on life, death, and the transformation that comes from accepting both joy and sorrow in their entirety.