From the Bookshelf of Constant Reader…

The Surrendered

Chang-rae Lee

Start date: November 15, 2010

Finish date: December 15, 2010

Discussion: Reading List

Discussion leader: Jane

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Reading List

* The Schedule for July through Dec. 2025
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last updated Jun 20, 2025 08:37AM

Call for Nominations - Reading List, January-June 2026
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What Members Thought

Nov 10, 2010 Mary Ellen rated it liked it

This was a book I'd expected to love, but didn't. I would give it 3.5 stars, were that possible. The prose is often lovely, but other elements of the book are weak.

Structure: The novel bounces back and forth among points of view as well as historical periods: 1950s Korea, 1980s New York and New Jersey, 1930s China.... It begins with 11-year old June and her younger siblings, refugees from fighting in the Korean War. This chapter was one of the most compelling in the book. The next chapter brings ...more

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Feb 19, 2010 Ziaria rated it really liked it

Let me start off by saying this was a beautifully written story spanning decades. The main character tells us the story of her life from the war in Korea to current times in the States and abroad. The book was rich in detail and full of life. Some parts of the book were so well described, I found myself visualizing the scenes. Mr. Lee is certainly a very gifted writer.

With that said while I enjoyed the book, I have to admit it took me forever to read. Going back and forth between time frames, I ...more

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Jun 22, 2010 Jeannie rated it it was amazing

Good book ! Writing style was smooth and easy. The characters were memorable and the story was unique....
What did I learn ??
I learned that we are often the products of our past. Sometimes it is beyond our ability to change who we are, just as we can't change the past we carry with us. ...more

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