Reviews

For the most of the book I didn’t quite understand the exact symbolism of the hotel but all I know is that I enjoyed every page of this book despite that. I loved the writing style, I can’t explain why, it wasn’t lyrical in any way but to me felt down to earth and realistic like you’re in someone’s thoughts but not in a stream of consciousness way that I really liked.

This focuses on themes of war, and how wars are remembered and specific to the Korean War and the always looming danger of a war that has not been formally ended. It focuses on being stuck in a place, both physically and in life and how to leave. And grief, from death and the constant mourning from a war of decades past and intergenerational trauma.
Loved this, I would recommend people who love horror elements in their books and dream sequences, who are okay with not completely getting the symbolisms present and those interested in the effects of the Korean War.

theomancy's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad

4.5

lilsalpal's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

asylumteaparty's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

alexandra_dillard's review

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

2.75

alsri's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

3.25

I’m not really sure what I was expecting from this book. I maybe didn’t read the description properly and didn’t know it was supposed to be horror, but I think that was a good thing in the end, it certainly wasn’t a traditional horror meant to frighten or thrill you but a bizarre and tightly woven story of grief and loss and bits of horror through the inescapable hotel and the bones.

It was a beautiful exploration of grief, and the long lasting wide reaching impacts of war, and family traumas, with a touch of other worldly horror.

I found it pretty difficult to read, definitely not something for after a long day of work. The slipping in and out of the hotel and the crossing paths of each characters histories and own wars. And yet all the twisted and jumbled mess is what made it.
I’m not sure I’m smart enough to read this and fully understand and enjoy it as intended but it was a good book.

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