The Book Spy by Alan Hlad is interesting, the characters realistic, and even though a lot is happening, I never thought it was confusing.

The story takes place during the defining decades of 1917 to 1965. These are not only decades which defined Korea, but also the world as we know it

The book centers around the Korean diaspora in Japan. They are considered second class citizens, but do not see themselves as victims

American soldier Frank Moster gets involved with an Italian family and helps them survive. All of their lives will be changed during the Battle of San Pietro.

While this is certainly not a history book, the lives of the women follow the national struggles (civil rights for example) which got national attention

When Frederick Merill leaves his wife Katharine and children to fight in WWII everything seems to be fine. however over the years Frederick starts to change

The book touches on a part of American history which is rarely talked about, the internment camps built for Japanese Americans

The making of a writer. Daniel Baciagalupo and his father flee a 1950’s New Hampshire logging town after Daniel accidentally killed his father’s lover.

The story is readable, literary, the characters are well drawn and the mischief and mayhem which can gives small towns their unique characteristics are felt