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South Korean writer Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” tells the story of Yeong-hye, a mild-mannered woman who abruptly decides to become a vegetarian — a decision that baffles her husband and sparks a family fallout. 

The novel explores how the protagonist’s life begins to unravel as her refusal to eat meat deepens into obsession, and she endures severe physical and emotional abuse at the hands of those closest to her.

First published in Korean in 2007, the novel earned Han the 2016 Man Booker International Prize for its English translation by Deborah Smith. In 2024, Han became the first South Korean author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

At a recent Kalimat Book Club meeting at Alkhobar’s Marfa cafe, readers discussed both the Arabic and English translations. The consensus seemed to be that the English version was more lyrical and poetic, while the Arabic seemed to be truer to the spirit of the original, with more rigid sentences and organic dialogue.

The book club also explored the novel’s three-part structure — told mostly from the male characters’ perspectives — with some suggesting this made Yeong-hye seem like a secondary character in her own life. Discussion also focused on the validity of some scenes and how each narrator framed the overall story.

Han’s imagery draws heavily from Asian folklore, in which people often dream of merging with trees, flowers or mountains in acts of punishment, transcendence or return.

Like the classic Japanese tale retold in Koji Yamamura’s 2002 Oscar-nominated animation “Mt. Head” — in which a grumpy old Japanese man unknowingly grows a cherry tree from his skull and morphs into a plant — “The Vegetarian” channels the animist belief that humans and nature are intertwined.

The question that lingers after reading and discussing the book is: Was the central character’s act one of empowerment or powerlessness?
 

RIYADH: Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage at the third edition of the Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh, where he delivered a masterclass titled “The Genius of Embodying Different Roles.”

The session, hosted by Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, offered a rare glimpse into Depp’s creative process, philosophy of acting, and his reflections on a more-than-four-decade career.

Opening his talk, Depp expressed gratitude for returning to ��������, a country he described as “vibrant, young, and full of promise.” He praised the Kingdom’s growing film scene and its ambition to nurture emerging talent.

“I think �������� is in a moment of extraordinary artistic evolution,” he said. “There’s something genuine and raw about what’s happening here. You can feel that people are creating because they truly love it.”

In the hour-long masterclass, Depp reflected on his approach to acting and the craft of storytelling. He spoke about his early insecurities, the struggles of being misunderstood, and the importance of maintaining creative authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes commercial success over artistry.

“When you start out, you’re filled with doubts — ‘Am I good enough? Am I doing this right?’ Those questions never completely go away,” he admitted. “But you learn that those insecurities are part of the process. They keep you honest.”

Depp emphasized that creativity must come from passion, not from a desire for fame or validation. “You have to be in love with what you’re doing,” he said. “It’s a strange job — acting — but if you don’t have that deep connection to it, the audience will feel it. The work has to come from truth.”

The actor, known for his transformative performances in films such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “Finding Neverland,” also discussed how his relationship with acting has evolved over time.

“When I was younger, I cared too much about how people saw the work. Over the years, I’ve learned that caring too much can hold you back. You reach a point where you just have to trust your instincts and jump in fully — like diving into water without worrying about keeping your arm dry.”

One of the most memorable moments of the masterclass came when Depp told the story of his now-iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. He revealed that Disney executives initially “hated” his interpretation of the character. “They thought I was ruining the movie,” he said with a laugh. “But I believed in the choices I made. Sometimes, you have to trust your instincts, even if no one else does. In the end, it worked out.”

He went on to encourage Saudi youth to pursue their artistic passions. “There’s so much talent here,” he said. “What’s important is to give young people the space to explore, to fail, to learn — and to find their voice. Art is not about perfection. It’s about honesty.”

The Saudi Film Confex, organized by the Saudi Film Commission, has quickly become a key event in the Kingdom’s growing entertainment calendar. The conference brings together filmmakers, producers, distributors, and investors from around the world, providing a platform for creative exchange and collaboration.

In its third edition, the event features an extensive exhibition, workshops, and interactive experiences designed to empower the next generation of filmmakers. The event will run until Oct. 25.

Depp’s participation underscores the Kingdom’s growing profile in the global film community and he closed the talk with words that resonated with aspiring filmmakers in attendance: “You don’t need to chase what others expect of you. Just tell your story — your truth. That’s where the real magic begins.”