July’s Book Club Pick, “The Surrendered,” is a powerful, evocative tale of how love and war can profoundly transform people’s lives. This novel delves into the lives of three complex characters whose lives are intertwined by the turmoil of the Korean War and its aftermath. So, let’s dig into this novel.
About The South Of Seoul Book Club
If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “The Surrendered.”
Looking for book recommendations? Welcome to the South of Seoul book club. We recommend a book every month. Such recommended books explore topics like 1) South Korean history or culture, 2) the complexity of cross-cultural life, 4) the exploration of life within the diaspora experience, and 5) lenses on Korean culture around the world.
Commitment to Accessibility
South of Seoul volunteers take book accessibility into consideration when recommending titles. We consider:
- Purchasable in English In Korea: Many translated titles can’t actually be purchased in English in Korea,
- Audio Version Available: Many people find audiobooks easier to consume.
- Online Versions.: International residents can’t afford to travel with many books. Also, many books may not be available in digital form from within Korea.
Commitment to Diverse Lived Experiences
South of Seoul volunteers seek to put lived experiences at the forefront of their recommendation choices. When considering authors we look for such things as:
- Korean authors who write based on their lived experiences in Korea.
- International residents who write based on their lived experiences in South Korea.
- Ethnic Koreans who write based on their lived experience in other countries.
Reading about Korean culture from a variety of perspectives may provide readers with a greater understanding of the country and culture.
Commitment to Supporting Mental Health
South of Seoul also includes book recommendations that support the lives and mental health of our community. This means that books may tackle the issues relationships, and more.
Book Recommendation By Melissa Edwards-Whittington
July’s South of Seoul Book Club recommendation, “The Surrendered” is brought to you by Melissa Edwards-Whittington of the KimchiRednecks. Edwards-Whittington has lived in Korea since 2017. She and her husband, Chuck, formed the KimchiRednecks YouTube channel to give people living outside of Korea or those coming to Korea, a glimpse of life here in Korea. Together with their three shih tzus, they post weekly videos about places to eat, things to cook, places to visit, or life in general living in Korea.
About The Author Of “The Surrendered”
The author of “The Surrendered” is Chang-rae Lee, an accomplished Korean-American novelist, also shares his passion for creative writing as a professor at Stanford University. Born in Seoul, Lee moved to the United States at the age of 3. He is the author of six novels, many of which have won awards. In 2021, he received a Lifetime Achievement in the Novel Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
My Experience Reading “The Surrendered”
“The Surrendered” is a slow-burn book, though it starts a bit slow, the fire does indeed catch and burn brightly. Although I found the first half of the book a bit more difficult to read, the story engaged me enough to keep going. This is not a lighthearted or happy story, but it is a good read.
In 1953, after the war, three travelers’ paths cross at a makeshift orphanage in the South Korean countryside near Seoul. June Han is a Korean War refugee brought to an orphanage in the early 1950s. By age 11, she had already endured periodic starvation and witnessed unspeakable violence. Hector Brennan, a troubled ex-GI from Ilion, New York, arrives at the orphanage to take on physically demanding construction and repair work. Sylvie Tanner, wife of Reverend Ames Tanner, is the daughter of missionaries. She and her husband oversee and teach at the orphanage with dedication and generosity.
The story spans 1930s China, 1950s Korea, and 1986 New York City. June, diagnosed with stomach cancer at 47, closes her successful Manhattan antique store and prepares for another journey. She plans to fly to Italy for a final reunion with her son, Nicholas, who left for Europe after high school and has only contacted her for money since. Then, June decides she must ask Hector, whom she hasn’t seen in decades, to help her find Nicholas and convince him to come back home due to difficult circumstances.
More Commentary And Reviews On “The Surrendered”
The above review contains my thoughts and opinions. However, make sure to read other reviews to have a more rounded perspective toward the book. We all come to each story with our own social/cultural lens. Therefore, others may have perceived this book in a different manner and may help you decide if this is the book for you.
Witnesses Of War Can’t Wash Their Hands Of Tragedy
Online Purchasing Link
You can purchase “The Surrendered” by Chang-rae Lee in English on Amazon.
Find More Book Club Recommendations
Did you like this recommendation? Be sure to explore our other volunteer-recommended books.
Also, check out the selections from South of Seoul Book Club 2023.
The KimchiRednecks channel was created in September 2018 by Chuck Whittington and Melissa Edwards-Whittington. They moved to Korea in July 2017 with their three Shih Tzu daughters, Sookie, Minion, and Mayhem.
The YouTube channel started as a way to share their lives here with their friends and families back in the states. They both have a deep love for Korean culture, people, and food and love being able to share that with others.
Chuck Whittington graduated from Francis Marion University with a Bachelors in Information Systems Management. He has worked in Information Technology roles for over 20 years. Chuck has always had an interest in Korea and has traveled here many times in the past.
Melissa Edwards-Whittington graduated from Mid-Atlantic Christian University with a Bachelors in Bible and a Minor in Elementary Education. She has worked in various roles in customer service and marketing over the years.
The YouTube channel has many interests just like they do because it is an extension of their lives here in Korea. You will often find videos on their channel about daily life in Korea, cooking, foodie adventures, traveling and exploring, computer and tech pursuits, gaming, and working on the Subaru BRZ.
Over the years, many of their friends have joined them for their videos and adventures because they enjoy sharing their lives with those around them. In addition, they add new interests from time to time, like making moonshine in Korea.
Life is about growing and changing, and the longer the KimchiRednecks live in Korea, the more they learn to love this country and culture and all it has to offer.
