Chang-rae Lee's Native Speaker has been praised for its eloquent prose and deep exploration of immigrant identity and assimilation struggles. Critics applaud its complex characters and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s seen as a poignant and thought-provoking novel that resonates with many readers.

A reader who enjoys Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee typically appreciates immersive, culturally rich narratives exploring identity and assimilation. Similar to those captivated by Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake and Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club, they favor introspective and poignant stories of the immigrant experience in America.

In Native Speaker by Chang-rae Lee, Korean American spy Henry Park struggles with the fallout of his failing marriage and his grief over his son’s death while navigating a life of espionage in New York City, attempting to infiltrate the political campaign of fellow Korean American John Kwang. The novel addresses issues of racism, assimilation, and personal identity within the immigrant experience. This book includes racial slurs directed against Asian Americans.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Mysterious / Emotional

- Native Speaker was Chang-rae Lee's debut novel, published in 1995, and it went on to win the prestigious Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award for first fiction.
- The novel introduces the theme of cultural identity and assimilation, which Chang-rae Lee explores extensively in his later works, establishing him as an important voice in Asian American literature.
- Native Speaker is often recognized for its deep exploration of language and the immigrant experience, highlighting the complexities of communication and identity in a multicultural society.

**Henry Park**  
The narrator and protagonist, a first-generation Korean American man in his early thirties, who works as a spy for a private intelligence firm. He navigates his complex identity and his roles within his family and community.

**Lelia Park**  
Henry's wife, a speech therapist with perfectly pronounced English, who struggles with the loss of their son and the cultural differences within her marriage to Henry.

**John Kwang**  
A charismatic city councilman in Queens and mentor to Henry, who is involved in politics with a focus on immigrant communities.

**Jack Kalantzakos**  
Henry's colleague at the intelligence firm, known for his cynical yet caring attitude, who provides Henry with advice and encourages him to seek a better future.

**Mitt Park**  
The biracial son of Henry and Lelia, whose death before the novel begins has a profound impact on his parents and their relationship.

**Mr. Park**  
Henry's father, a successful Korean grocer in New York City, who represents traditional Korean masculinity and has high expectations for Henry.

**Mrs. Park**  
Henry's mother, who passed away when he was ten, remembered for her frail health and the nurturing role she played in Henry's childhood.

Chang-rae Lee

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Native Speaker Summary and Study Guide

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Chapters 1-6

Native Speaker Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-11

Native Speaker Chapters 7-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-18

Native Speaker Chapters 12-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-23

Native Speaker Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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Themes

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Native Speaker

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