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53 pages 1 hour read

A Gesture Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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Chang-rae Lee

A Gesture Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bedley Run, New York • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1200L

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Super Short Summary

A Gesture Life by Chang-rae Lee follows Franklin Hata, a retired Japanese-Korean medic, who reflects on his life marked by assimilation, loss, and the psychological toll of his World War II experiences, particularly overseeing Korean "comfort women" in Burma. His relationships with his adopted daughter Sunny and a widow named Mary unravel due to his emotional distance, leading Hata to confront his past and the gestures that have defined his life. Topics include violence, rape, forced abortion, and the trauma of war.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

4,831 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Chang-rae Lee's A Gesture Life intricately explores themes of identity, memory, and assimilation. Critics praise its delicate prose and profound character development, especially of protagonist Doc Hata. Some reviewers, however, note the slow pacing and occasional emotional distance. Overall, it is regarded as a poignant, thought-provoking narrative that delves deep into the complexities of cultural displacement.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Gesture Life?

Readers who appreciate A Gesture Life by Chang-rae Lee typically enjoy introspective narratives that explore themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the lingering impacts of past trauma. Fans of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day will find similar depth and emotional resonance in Lee's storytelling.

4.1

4,831 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Jiro Kurohata/Franklin Hata

The protagonist and first-person narrator who, born in Korea and adopted by a Japanese family, navigates life post-World War II in Bedley Run while managing Sunny Medical Supply.

A Korean woman known for her intelligence, who becomes a pivotal figure in Hata's past due to their complex and tragic association during the war.

Hata’s adoptive daughter, who becomes a successful manager despite a challenging relationship with her father and her own tumultuous past.

An American widow and neighbor of Hata, with whom he develops a relationship that is ultimately marked by emotional distance.

A doctor in the Imperial Army who shows a disturbing interest in K and serves as a critical figure in challenging Hata's moral and emotional fortitude.

A couple who purchase Sunny Medical Supply from Hata and face personal and financial difficulties over the years.

A young soldier in the Imperial Army who takes a stand in a critical and compassionate moment during the war, affecting Hata deeply.

A Bedley Run police officer indebted to Hata for his support, who later becomes a key figure in maintaining a connection to Sunny.

An enthusiastic real estate agent who helps Hata restore and sell his home after a fire, demonstrating care and involvement in his life.

Hata’s Indian friend whose engagement to Olivia and near-death experience prompt reflection on friendship and identity.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bedley Run, New York • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1200L

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