On Such a Full Sea by Chang-rae Lee follows Fan, a fish-tank diver from the labor colony of B-Mor, on her journey through a future, stratified America to find her missing boyfriend, Reg. Her quest takes her through anarchic open counties and elite Charter villages, exposing her to various societal extremes and ultimately transforming her society as her story becomes a legend. The book addresses sensitive topics such as social stratification, ecological disaster, and human suffering.

Chang-rae Lee's On Such A Full Sea receives praise for its lyrical prose and intricate storytelling, set in a dystopian future. The novel's unique narrative voice and compelling protagonist are highlights. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the world-building occasionally lacking in clarity. Overall, it is lauded for its thought-provoking themes and literary merit.

Readers who enjoy dystopian societies with intricate world-building and profound social commentary, akin to 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, will appreciate On Such A Full Sea by Chang-rae Lee. Its lyrical prose and complex characters also appeal to fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.

Mysterious / Dark / Contemplative / Gritty / Melancholic

- On Such A Full Sea was nominated for the 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award in the Fiction category, underscoring its impact and recognition in the literary community.
- The novel is notable for its distinctive narrative style, employing a first-person plural voice that creates a communal storytelling experience.
- The book was included in The New York Times Book Review's list of 100 Notable Books of the year 2014, highlighting its critical acclaim and wide readership.

**Fan**  
A small, slender 16-year-old girl known for her exceptional diving skills in B-Mor, who embarks on a courageous journey outside her secure community seeking her missing boyfriend, Reg. She is characterized by a blend of quiet grace, intelligence, and unwavering determination.

**Reg**  
Fan's 19-year-old boyfriend, known for his tall stature and unique “C-free” status in a society ravaged by cancer. His mysterious disappearance serves as the catalyst for Fan's journey outside B-Mor.

**Joseph**  
A 10-year-old boy and a close friend of Reg, remembered for his bravery and tragic fate in a flooding incident that impacts Fan's decisions.

**Quig**  
A former veterinarian turned healer in the counties, who is both kind and hard-nosed, providing help and protection to Fan when she emerges into the outside world.

**Loreen**  
A harsh and overweight resident of Quig’s compound, who initially treats Fan poorly but later softens toward her after Fan's sacrifice for her family.

**Sewey**  
The curious and friendly 13-year-old son of Loreen, he helps Fan navigate life in Quig’s compound, sharing stories and helping with the compound's medical operations.

**Eli**  
A friend of Sewey at Quig’s compound who struggles with personal issues and has a brief, impactful interaction with Fan that indicates his inner turmoil.

**The Nickelman Family**  
A group of circus performers in the counties known for their acrobatic skills, with a dark secret involving abducted children whom they integrate into their family acts.

**Mister Leo**  
A middle-aged man of wealth and power in a Charter village, involved in mining, who conceals darker predatory behaviors behind his generous facade.

**Miss Cathy**  
Mister Leo’s wife, who evolves from a subdued and awkward presence into a more empowered figure after a drastic act changes the household dynamics.

**Mala**  
The head servant in Mister Leo and Miss Cathy’s household, who secretly preserves the girls' dignity despite the oppressive environment and aids in Fan's eventual liberation.

**1-7 (The Kept Girls)**  
A group of young women in Miss Cathy’s home, who share a unique bond and have distinct backgrounds, often helping each other with creative projects while being secluded from regular society.

**Dr. Vikram Upendra**  
A chief of emergency medicine in the Charters, who gets involved with Fan's escape from Leo and Cathy's house and has complex relationships within the Charter community.

**Oliver Cheung/Bo Liwei**  
Fan’s brother, who is a successful cancer researcher living in the Charters, known for his ambitious aspirations and complicated familial connections.

**Betty Cheung**  
Oliver’s wife, who develops a close bond with Fan and plays a pivotal role in preserving Fan's safety amid the complex moral landscapes within the Charter society.

Chang-rae Lee

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On Such A Full Sea  Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-21

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 20-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-26

On Such A Full Sea  Chapters 22-26 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

On Such A Full Sea  Character Analysis

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On Such A Full Sea  Themes

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On Such A Full Sea

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