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. — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
We grow up with this idea that we're all individual agents. We work, make our money, have our place to live and our satellite TV. But whether you like it or not, you need family or community. — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I think my parents recognised that I'd always wanted to be a writer, and so they didn't think that this was some idle, faddish… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Some writers are writing one great, big book and just taking all these different avenues towards it. They might seem on the outside to… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I try to be aware of what I'm concerned about, aware of how I feel about myself in the world, aware of how I… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
“I would give most anything to hear my father's talk again, the crash and bang and stop of his language, always hurtling by. I… — Chang-rae Lee Copy Share Image
We have hopes and make plans, and if they are dashed or waylaid, we naturally rationalize and redraw the map to locate ourselves anew.… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
I remember when I was in art classes, I hated following the assignments. And I would get in trouble for doing something totally different… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
The past, as you suggest, is absolutely present at all times and the present is born from the past. I wouldn't want to suggest… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Most people don't think about race as much as I do. They don't have to. — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
Not to any really influential effect, but certainly there have been comments that have surprised me. It's surprising sometimes to get particular perspectives on… — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
My family immigrated when I was 3, and our predecessors inhabited the Korean Peninsula for as long as can be recalled. — Chang-Rae Lee Copy Share Image
