Greek lessons

The narrative follows a young woman in Seoul who, after losing her ability to speak, enrolls in an Ancient Greek language class. There, she forms a connection with her instructor, who is gradually losing his sight. As their relationship deepens, they confront personal traumas and explore themes of language, loss, and human connection.

Upon its English release, Greek Lessons received positive reviews for its prose and thematic depth. Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews praised the novel, and TIME included it among the 100 must-read books of 2023, describing it as a "profoundly sad yet hopeful look at the connection that comes with shared language—even when it is not spoken."

Han Kang, born in 1970, is renowned for her intense poetic prose that addresses historical traumas and the fragility of human life. In 2024, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first South Korean to receive the honor.