The Invisible Hotel: A Novel by Yeji Y. Ham

In "The Invisible Hotel," Yewon finds herself trapped in a surreal dreamscape, haunted by a hotel with infinite rooms and keys. As she navigates her mundane existence in a small South Korean village, the specter of the Forgotten War looms large, symbolized by the bones of their ancestors washed by her mother. With her family facing various crises, Yewon's reality blurs with her dreams, especially as she becomes involved in driving a North Korean refugee named Ms. Han to visit her imprisoned brother.

The novel delves into themes of trauma, identity, and the lingering effects of historical conflict. Yewon's journey mirrors South Korea's struggle to reconcile its past with its present, as the country grapples with its collective heritage and shifting identity in the aftermath of the Korean War. The gothic atmosphere adds an eerie layer to the narrative, enhancing the sense of unease and foreboding.

Through haunting prose and evocative imagery, the author crafts a masterwork of horror that leaves readers deeply unsettled. Kim Fu's endorsement captures the essence of the novel, describing it as a riveting and unforgettable exploration of fear and uncertainty. "The Invisible Hotel" is not just a tale of personal crisis but also a reflection of a nation's existential turmoil, making it a thought-provoking and impactful read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.