Memory is the most illicit commodity.
Chang-Rae Lee – The Surrendered
Forbidden memory
F
“The Surrendered” by Chang-Rae Lee is a haunting novel that spans several decades and continents, exploring the lives of three characters profoundly affected by the Korean War. The story centers on June Han, a Korean orphan who survives the war’s devastation; Hector Brennan, an American soldier haunted by his wartime experiences; and Sylvie Tanner, a missionary widow struggling with loss and guilt. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they grapple with trauma, survival, and the search for redemption. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Korea and later in America, the novel delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and the enduring scars left by conflict. Through Lee’s lyrical prose and intricate character portrayals, “The Surrendered” offers a poignant and powerful meditation on the human capacity for resilience amidst the ravages of war.