Mukbang by Fanie Demeule, Translated by Anita Anand

I had no idea what to expect when I decided to read this book, but I was intrigued by the promise of exploring the world of YouTube influencers and hopeful for a unique read. Before I began, I asked my son if he knew what “mukbang” meant. He told me it was when people eat a lot of food on camera and exaggerate the sounds of chewing – he said it was disgusting and that I probably didn’t want to read about it. Well, that sealed the deal for me – I definitely wanted to read the book now.

According to Wikipedia, the word mukbang is a combination of the Korean words for “eating” (mugneun) and “broadcast show” (bangsong), translating approximately into “eatshow”. It originated in South Korea in 2010. These shows have become popular around the globe, and the contents vary. From what I’ve seen in my (small amount) of research, most popular mukbangs involve cooking and eating, with very little talking. Just the sounds of the food sizzling, the packages opening, the fried chicken crunching, and the noodles slurping. Judging from the comments, viewers find them relaxing and satisfying to watch. One of the YouTube mukbangers I found has 19.9 million subscribers.

Some mukbangs focus more on quantity of food eaten, as in the case of our heroine Kim Delorme.

Kim becomes infatuated with the internet at a young age, and chooses to be on her computer above everything else, including her cousin’s many attempts to entice Kim to hang out. Ever since she heard her mother utter the words “you scare me”, Kim feels unloved and turns to the internet for comfort – “at once, friend, refuge and guardian.” Her parents eventually become resigned to their daughter’s choice of activity and the distance between them grows.

I hate any sort of intrusion on my most perfect relationship. Anything that pulls me away is an enemy.

Kim moved away from home at 18 and began her journey as a YouTuber. At first, she was a ‘health’ influencer – focusing on body image and clean eating. When she got in on the mukbang trend, she continued to keep it healthy. But when she discovered another Quebecois mukbanger named Misha, and was turned down when she requested they do a collaboration, Kim took it as a challenge. She wanted to prove she was just as worthy as Misha. Kim began to compete with Misha’s mukbang videos, ramping it up each time to consume more and more calories. Kim lost some of her vegan followers, but overall, her popularity sky-rocketed.

As soon as I turn on the camera, I begin to feel dizzy. It’s like I’m suffocating. My throat closes up, then swells. My voice gets higher. I feel I sound like a little girl. I don’t really know what I’m doing. I can’t remember words, say random things instead. My mouth talks by itself. My head feels empty. I’ve lost my grip on things.
I have the impression that I am no longer a person. Just a nauseated, out of control digestive tube that spends its time throwing up when it’s offline. An acidic, swollen tube, stuffed with Tums and Gravol.

The story is told in first person, with multiple narrators. Kim’s YouTube activity has far-reaching ripple effects. Just when you’re wondering about the meaning behind it all, an interesting bit of information is revealed, connecting the pieces and bringing the story satisfyingly full circle.

Mukbang is fast-paced, easily maintaining the readers’ interest. The story and structure are fresh and timely. There are lists, text messages, YouTube comments, and–most interestingly of all—QR codes. Again, my son got involved in this whole reading experience – I had to ask him how to “read” the codes. I was afraid I was missing out on important pieces of the story. Soon I was a QR code whizz, scanning codes willy-nilly. (Sometimes there are several on each page.) I can now assure you that the pleasure of reading this book does not depend on scanning the codes. However, the codes do entertain and can enhance your experience along the way.

Although the premise of the story involves YouTube influencers and some of the strange things you can find on the internet, it’s really about how these things can shape you, manipulate you, lure you to believe you are safe/loved/seen. The characters in this book struggle with mental illness, body image, grief, and trauma and turn to the internet seeking answers, relief, and a sense of belonging.

Fanie Demeule’s five books and short stories have won accolades and awards, and two of her titles are currently being adapted for film. After Lightness (Linda Leith Publishing, 2020, translated by Anita Anand), Mukbang is her second novel translated into English. She lives on the south shore of Montreal.

Anita Anand is the author of Swing in the House and other Stories, and A Convergence of Solitudes. She has translated Nirliit by Juliana-Leveillé-Trudel as well as Fanie Demeule’s first novel, known in English as Lightness, also published by Linda Leith Publishing.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Linda Leith Publishing (Sept. 10 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 179 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1773901184
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1773901183

Naomi MacKinnon

Website

Naomi MacKinnon is a mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, pet-lover, reader, walker, camper, and Nova Scotian. Naomi has contributed several guest reviews over the years to The Miramichi Reader. Her book review blog is Consumed By Ink.