Author

My parents - my mother, particularly - were very focused on our succeeding. I loved my parents, and was very grateful to them for everything, and I didn't want to disappoint them.

From Chang-Rae Lee

I don't believe complete assimilation is possible, at least not for anyone who has an active, open mind. Every step, every entry into the flows of existence can be seen as a beginning, a commencement of a brand new way of seeing oneself in the world. This is the case for everyone.

From Chang-Rae Lee

I'm interested in people who find themselves in places, either of their choosing or not, and who are forced to decide how best to live there. That feeling of both citizenship and exile, of always being an expatriate - with all the attendant problems and complications and delight.

From Chang-Rae Lee

A novel, even a social realist one, can't simply be a comprehensive rendering of what is. A novel requires a special angle or approach, whether in structure or language or theme, to justify itself.

From Chang-Rae Lee

One of the ready advantages of writing a road or quest story is that it mirrors the experience of writing a novel.

From Chang-Rae Lee

For me, that's always been one of the great charms of the first person: we gain access to a very personal, private kind of music.

From Chang-Rae Lee

It's hard to write a war story without thinking about the 'Iliad.' Because the 'Iliad' knows everything about war.

From Chang-Rae Lee

Part of writing a novel is being willing to leap into the blackness. You have very little idea, really, of what's going to happen. You have a broad sense, maybe, but it's this rash leap.

From Chang-Rae Lee

Even though I went to Exeter and Yale, and I enjoyed all the trappings of those places, I think at the same time - and maybe it's because I'm an immigrant kid and not white - there was always this other consciousness; that is, I was conscious of everything that was going on.

From Chang-Rae Lee

I remember when I was in art classes, I hated following the assignments. And I would get in trouble for doing something totally different or taking it in a weird direction.

From Chang-Rae Lee

Chang-Rae Lee

Notable Quotes

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