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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Add this copy of Gesture Life to cart. $2.85, like new condition, Sold by Aardvark Books Ltd rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bucknell, HEREFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2000 by Granta Books.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $8.11, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Granta Books.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $10.55, new condition, Sold by Books2anywhere rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Fairford, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Granta Books.
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PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $2.76, good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Granta Books.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $3.38, very good condition, Sold by Kennys.ie rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Galway, IRELAND, published 2000 by Penguin Adult Hc/Tr.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $4.45, fair condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2000 by Penguin.
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Fair. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. The book is perfectly readable and fit for use, although it shows signs of previous ownership. The spine is likely creased and the cover scuffed or slightly torn. Textbooks will typically have an amount of underlining and/or highlighting, as well as notes. If this book is over 5 years old, then please expect the pages to be yellowing or to have age spots. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Damaged cover. The cover of is slightly damaged for instance a torn or bent corner.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $5.04, very good condition, Sold by Goldstone Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ammanford, CARMS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Granta Books.
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Very good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by Brit Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milton Keynes, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Granta Books.
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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.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $8.61, very good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2001 by Granta Books.
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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.
Add this copy of A Gesture Life to cart. $8.89, good condition, Sold by Greener Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from London, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2000 by Penguin Putnam Inc.
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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.
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.
