66 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
432
Novel • Fiction
B-Mor • Dystopian Future
2014
Adult
18+ years
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
12,619 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
12,619 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reg
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.
Joseph
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.
Quig
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.
Loreen
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.
Sewey
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.
Eli
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.
The Nickelman Family
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.
Mister Leo
A middle-aged man of wealth and power in a Charter village, involved in mining, who conceals darker predatory behaviors behind his generous facade.
Miss Cathy
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.
Mala
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.
1-7 (The Kept Girls)
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.
Dr. Vikram Upendra
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.
Oliver Cheung/Bo Liwei
Fan’s brother, who is a successful cancer researcher living in the Charters, known for his ambitious aspirations and complicated familial connections.
Betty Cheung
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.
432
Novel • Fiction
B-Mor • Dystopian Future
2014
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.