Gormley's book embarks on a decades-long journey to tell the story of how Corporal Donald Matney disappeared during The Forgotten War. The narrative follows the journey of a fictional refugee family fleeing the North Korean invasion, fusing this with historical facts about how the Korean War ultimately opened the gate for another of America’s controversial encounters: The Vietnam War. Readers then encounter the despair and grief of families from all across America who still search for the remains and details about the disappearances of their loved ones, while learning about the intricate process that the U.S. Government initiates to help families find those who disappeared and return them to their rightful place—home.

This book provides insight as to why finding those lost in war matters to families and the nation. It also helps readers understand the decades-long process that the U.S. Government and families engage in so that the remains of those lost in war might be returned home. With engaging facts about the forensics process involved for such reclamations, the author’s work will appeal to those who are interested in the forensics side of both history and current events. The text also strongly depicts the long-lasting consequences of war on families, which makes it a must-read for anyone interested in the social, political, and generational aspects of military conflict. Anyone interested in East Asian history as it relates to U.S. history and U.S. military history will appreciate this book. Those looking for a unique blend of fiction, biography, and autobiography will also appreciate Gormley’s work for its genre-bending conventions.

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