34 - The Surrendered

Finished The Surrendered by Chang-Rae Lee. I received this book from the publisher.

This book is about June, Hector and Sylvie, who are connected by their experiences during the Korean War and the atrocities each experienced.

This book jumps back and forth in time and from person to person, so it can be confusing. (If you pay attention, you'll be fine, but I'd recommend not reading this when you're tired or distracted.)

This is not a happy book. It's not as depressing as you'd think, but there are times when I had to make myself stop reading and walk away and do something else for a bit. There aren't many of those parts, but seriously, this is not a happy book. This isn't an easy book, either.

If you're willing to go along for the ride, though, it's incredibly worth it. I can't say I enjoyed reading this book. (But then, I can't say I much enjoyed watching Schindler's List, either.) You're probably not supposed to enjoy it. If you think you can handle it--and there are parts that are incredibly vicious and heartbreaking--give this book a try. I can't imagine anyone finishing this book and being sorry they picked it up.

I know I'm glad I did.