4.5. This one took me a while, which isn't to imply anything negative about the book--I just wanted to take my time with it. Within the first few pages, I knew that Alexander Chee was going to be a new favourite author of mine. His prose is absolutely gorgeous; some of the most beautiful and creative I've ever read. I would liken this to when I read Zora Neale Hurston--I simply cannot comprehend how someone can write like that. Everything in this book is vivid, especially the characters, who I came to love and care for deeply within a few sentences. One of my favourite aspects of this book was the use of Korean history/mythology/folklore, which I felt truly enriched the story. I think this is a new favourite.