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On Such A Full Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Chang-rae Lee

On Such A Full Sea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

B-Mor • Dystopian Future

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

On Such a Full Sea by Chang-rae Lee follows Fan, a fish-tank diver from the labor colony of B-Mor, on her journey through a future, stratified America to find her missing boyfriend, Reg. Her quest takes her through anarchic open counties and elite Charter villages, exposing her to various societal extremes and ultimately transforming her society as her story becomes a legend. The book addresses sensitive topics such as social stratification, ecological disaster, and human suffering.

Mysterious

Dark

Contemplative

Gritty

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.6

12,619 ratings

53%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Chang-rae Lee's On Such A Full Sea receives praise for its lyrical prose and intricate storytelling, set in a dystopian future. The novel's unique narrative voice and compelling protagonist are highlights. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the world-building occasionally lacking in clarity. Overall, it is lauded for its thought-provoking themes and literary merit.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On Such A Full Sea ?

Readers who enjoy dystopian societies with intricate world-building and profound social commentary, akin to 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, will appreciate On Such A Full Sea by Chang-rae Lee. Its lyrical prose and complex characters also appeal to fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.

3.6

12,619 ratings

53%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

16%

Not a fan

Character List

Fan

A small, slender 16-year-old girl known for her exceptional diving skills in B-Mor, who embarks on a courageous journey outside her secure community seeking her missing boyfriend, Reg. She is characterized by a blend of quiet grace, intelligence, and unwavering determination.

Fan's 19-year-old boyfriend, known for his tall stature and unique “C-free” status in a society ravaged by cancer. His mysterious disappearance serves as the catalyst for Fan's journey outside B-Mor.

A 10-year-old boy and a close friend of Reg, remembered for his bravery and tragic fate in a flooding incident that impacts Fan's decisions.

A former veterinarian turned healer in the counties, who is both kind and hard-nosed, providing help and protection to Fan when she emerges into the outside world.

A harsh and overweight resident of Quig’s compound, who initially treats Fan poorly but later softens toward her after Fan's sacrifice for her family.

The curious and friendly 13-year-old son of Loreen, he helps Fan navigate life in Quig’s compound, sharing stories and helping with the compound's medical operations.

A friend of Sewey at Quig’s compound who struggles with personal issues and has a brief, impactful interaction with Fan that indicates his inner turmoil.

A group of circus performers in the counties known for their acrobatic skills, with a dark secret involving abducted children whom they integrate into their family acts.

A middle-aged man of wealth and power in a Charter village, involved in mining, who conceals darker predatory behaviors behind his generous facade.

Mister Leo’s wife, who evolves from a subdued and awkward presence into a more empowered figure after a drastic act changes the household dynamics.

The head servant in Mister Leo and Miss Cathy’s household, who secretly preserves the girls' dignity despite the oppressive environment and aids in Fan's eventual liberation.

A group of young women in Miss Cathy’s home, who share a unique bond and have distinct backgrounds, often helping each other with creative projects while being secluded from regular society.

A chief of emergency medicine in the Charters, who gets involved with Fan's escape from Leo and Cathy's house and has complex relationships within the Charter community.

Fan’s brother, who is a successful cancer researcher living in the Charters, known for his ambitious aspirations and complicated familial connections.

Oliver’s wife, who develops a close bond with Fan and plays a pivotal role in preserving Fan's safety amid the complex moral landscapes within the Charter society.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

B-Mor • Dystopian Future

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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