Gu Byeong-mo

Does pretty much what you'd hope. S Korean noir-ish novel about an ageing female assassin, who's made enemies who want her out, and made memories that won't stay suppressed.

The action is vivid, jarring, ugly. The protagonist is believably creaking, both physically and mentally.

Not sure there's any real tension in the book, though. We kind of know all through what will happen in the end. Is that a problem? Perhaps not.

The mystery here is the appeal of this highly indirect and arid story. The translation? Or I just don’t get the cultural signifiers. Anyway, I cannot recommend this one. I read it for a book club—perhaps others will enlighten me.

Entertaining. A little dry. But fun.

2023 book #46. 2022. Hornclaw is a 65-yo Korean woman nearing the end of her 45 year career as a contract killer. She grows reflective as a former colleague turns against her. Interesting and a good book club read. A best seller in South Korea.