The novel A Gesture Life by Chang-rae Lee tells the story of Franklin Hata a complicated man of many parts joined together to form a fragmented whole. As Kurhata, he was a former Japanese officer during World War II. After his service, he wanted to start a new life and hopefully forget the horrors and heartbreak that he suffered while surviving in war-torn Asia. Hata does this by reestablishing himself in the small suburban and well-to-do town of Bedley Run in New York. In his new community, he becomes known as "Doc" Hata because of his kindness and generosity. In reality, he is not a doctor but the former owner of a medical supply store.

Early on in the novel, "Doc" Hata is portrayed as a man without a country. He was a Korean child brought up by a Japanese family, then in his present life, becomes a

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Chang-rae Lee's novel is touching enough to the point that one finds it hard to comprehend how the human soul can be preserved through extreme circumstances.

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Japanese elder attempting to mold himself into American society. Even his title of "Doctor" is merely a façade. The author expertly swirls together the different identities that Hata undergoes in his lifetime. He grapples with two personas: Kurohata from Japan and Franklin Hata transplanted in America. Hata clearly makes his life in many cultures, but it seems that he cannot claim one as his own.

Even though Hata is far from the war in his seventies, he cannot escape life's own battles. Hata tries make his life more fulfilling to fill the emptiness of his large Tudor home. It is clear that Hata has seen little happiness in his life. His affair with a wealthy widow proved unsustainable and he is tormented by his undying love for a Korean comfort woman who dies a horrendous death at the hands of ruthless Japanese officers.

Hata, not only attempts to make a better life for himself, but for the little girl, Sunny that he adopts from Japan. She is half Korean, which may be his physical link to his former heritage. He hopes that having Sunny at his side, he will find some semblance of a loving and normal family life, an ideal that was almost lost to him after witnessing horror as a medic during his service in the war. Unfortunately, the father-daughter relationship was often strained and soon irreparable as Sunny abruptly leaves. His past lay partly responsible as his present forcing him to be indifferent and shunning away the people closest to him.

Chang-rae Lee's novel is touching enough to the point that one finds it hard to comprehend how the human soul can be preserved through extreme circumstances. Lee is very effective in bringing the character, Kurohata, to life. His language is forceful and harsh, but causes one to read on. He also provides clear organization in his novel by creating a smooth transition between the past and present, which he likes to do a lot. After reading the book, one can't help to feel sadness and pity for Kurohata. The power of Chang-rae Lee's writing leaves a strong imprint in the reader's heart and he effectively journeys the reader through life's unexpected twists and turns. One cannot help but admire Hata for his sterngth and unbreakable human spirit. It is a spirit that is indestructible in a life that had granted him more war horrors and personal struggles than can be humanly endured.