The book is an interesting examination of a culture clash in a marriage. An American husband and his South Korean wife both can't escape their past. He cannot escape his history in the war and his family's in Turtle Valley and she cannot escape South Korean culture and expectations. This novel examines a bit of a roller coaster for the emotions, but it also does a good job of examining the two different cultures and finding similarities between the two. There is something in this book for everyone ranging from Korean spiritual beliefs, strained relationships, an examinations of being an outsider, and of home in general.

3.5 stars

Seemingly the current trend, The Shaman of Turtle Valley is told from multiple points of view. All but one character are done in first person with no indication of who is speaking next. This is disconcerting but also somewhat effective artistically.

The story’s premise and the trajectory of Aiken, the main character, are timely and relevant. The fragmentation and confusion surrounding a newly returned Veteran are depicted well. In places, the writing doesn’t do justice to the emotional content, and I’m left wondering if the storyline itself is overly dramatic. Sometimes I want to feel more than I do.

Ultimately the pieces begin to come together somewhat for Aiken. “A life just happens, it grows over time. One day you wake up, and there it is. Your Life.”

There is a lot of stuff in this book!. It centers on Gulf War veteran Aiken Alexander, his South Korean wife Soon-hee, and their young son in Virginia. However there are tendrils of the story going back in time to the settlement of the Valley and the Alexander family ancestors, Aiken's youth and time in the military, and his and Soon-hee's meeting in South Korea. Toss in strained family relationships, old flames, and Korean spiritual beliefs and you will be taken on quite an enjoyable journey.

The Shaman of Turtle Valley was a very enjoyable book by Clifford Garstang. I love to read books about the Korean history and culture and this book gripped me from start to finish. One of those rare books that i may read again one day. I never write what a story is about as i prefer one to read the book for themselves, but i do highly recommend.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.

Review can be seen on Goodreads. but not on Amazon UK as it comes up with 'no results'.