Chang-rae Lee's much-awaited second novel is a haunting, compelling exploration of the Japanese experience of the Second World War, and the fate of their Comfort Women. 'You make a whole life out of gestures and politeness,' Sunny tells her adoptive father, Franklin Hata. Born in Korea and raised in Japan, Franklin deflects everyone - even his daughter - with courtesy and impenetrable decorum, becoming a respected elder of his small, prosperous American town. As Sunny tries to unpick her father's scrupulous self-control, ...
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Chang-rae Lee's much-awaited second novel is a haunting, compelling exploration of the Japanese experience of the Second World War, and the fate of their Comfort Women. 'You make a whole life out of gestures and politeness,' Sunny tells her adoptive father, Franklin Hata. Born in Korea and raised in Japan, Franklin deflects everyone - even his daughter - with courtesy and impenetrable decorum, becoming a respected elder of his small, prosperous American town. As Sunny tries to unpick her father's scrupulous self-control, the story he has repressed emerges: his life as a medic in the Japanese army and his love for a woman who is a soldier's chattel. The tragic tension between Franklin's need to communicate the horror which has shaped his life, and the guilt which has kept him silent are at the heart of this unforgettable work of humane understanding. 'Stunning . . . It's a beautiful, solitary, remarkably tender book.' Andrew O'Hagan 'A wonderful mixture of Richard Ford and Kazuo Ishiguro.' New Yorker 'Superb. Stirring and impressive; the work of a very fine writer indeed.' John Preston, Daily Telegraph 'A writer of immense subtlety and craft.' Maya Jaggi, Guardian 'A slow, brooding, memorable work of fiction.' Joyce Carol Oates 'Pleasing, illuminatingly fresh.subtle and delicious.' Independent 'Beautifully written.a work of astonishing psychological acuity and compassion.' Lizzie Buchan, The Times
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Good. Stains on pages and the side **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Stains on pages and the side **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
This book was one I selected for my book club because it is beautifully, exquisitely written. In the story, Franklin, an older Japanese American, lives alone and tries to connect with others--mostly unsucessfully. His past is haunted by his role in the Japanese military during World War II. He was responsible for the safe keeping of the 'Comfort Women' or women who were brought to the military camps to have sexual relationships with hundreds of soldiers. Franklin had his own, unrequited love with one of the women and her fate is his deepest regret. Throughout the story are flash-backs to the war, along with daily events in Franklin's life. Haunting and beautiful, this book is highly recommended.
