As Sheen reads the novel further, he discovers the KPG's involvement with a litany of historical events like the Korean War and the founding of the Moonies, as well as figures such as Syngman Rhee, Ronald Reagan, and Marilyn Monroe.

All the while, Sheen raises his daughter, Story, works at a tech company called GLOAT, and recalls his run-ins with the fictitious science fiction novelist Park Jotter.

[9] The Los Angeles Times likened its successfully executed ambition to works by Anthony Doerr, Namwali Serpell, David Mitchell, and Jennifer Egan.

[10] The Washington Post wrote that "Switching fluidly between genres — multigenerational family saga; spy thriller; comedy of manners — the novel unspools like a dazzling demo reel.

"[11] The Star Tribune found the book's concept more interesting than its execution, "appreciating Park's whimsy, erudition and daring more than this manifestation of his many talents.