If I'm being honest, the cover sold me on this book. More than 50 years after her death, Marilyn still shines and draws people in. This book reminded me of "My Week With Marilyn." The setting is drastically different, though. Another reason I picked up this historical fiction read was that it gives insight into the Korean War from a Korean author. Alice, our narrator, has been used up and spit out by the major players in the conflict. Her week hosting Marilyn dredges up her past experiences before and during the crisis. Will the time spent with the iconic Marilyn Monroe make an impact on Alice's life and her postwar plans? Read this book and immerse yourself in the 1950's Korea that Alice knew.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an intriguing portrayal of war and its aftermath on a country’s citizens. The story begins in 1954, the Korean War has ended but the American forces still occupy the South. Narrated by a Alice J. Kim, a troubled Korean woman who works for the army as a translator and clerk, the story unfolds in in a non-linear telling with flashbacks from Alice’s life before and during the war, as well as her current life in 1954. Alice has been assigned as translator to Marilyn Monroe, who has decided to visit South Korea for four days to entertain the troops. Alice finds she must face her past and the secrets she has been keeping when one of her two ex-lovers shows up at the tour.

Lee gives us a hauntingly tragic novel about the ravages of war and the resulting devastation to those who lived through it. Alice’s memories of her time in a POW camp, the horrendous sights and sounds of the war and the civilian casualties, as well as the hordes of refuges trying to escape unto US naval ships is immensely moving. While it is sometimes hard to follow the story as it jumps around between 1954 and the past, this book is well worth the investment of time. Alice’s secrets about her past are eventually revealed and the relationship that she develops with Marilyn Monroe help her to move on with her life.

This is an emotionally raw novel about trauma and survival. It's well-written enough, but I didn't find that connection. I wanted more spy intrigue or more Hollywood glamour or something I can't quite articulate. I wanted to sink into this story, but it never got deep enough. I can appreciate that it's written about a time and place not covered often in literature - 1950s Korea. I believe there is an audience for this book. It just isn't me.

Thank you for offering me an advance copy in return for an honest review.

The premise of this story has lots of promise. Sadly , for me it did not deliver.
Characters were not sympathetic and storyline thin.
I would have loved this book if more developed.