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The Old Woman with the Knife
The kinetic story of a sixty-five-year-old female assassin who faces an unexpected threat in the twilight of her career--this is an international bestseller and the English language debut from an award-winning South Korean author
At sixty-five, Hornclaw is beginning to slow down. She lives modestly in a small apartment, with only her aging dog, a rescue named Deadweight, to keep her company. There are expectations for people her age--that she'll retire and live out the rest of her days quietly. But Hornclaw is not like other people. She is an assassin.
Double-crossers, corporate enemies, cheating spouses--for the past four decades, Hornclaw has killed them all with ruthless efficiency, and the less she's known about her targets, the better. But now, nearing the end of her career, she has just slipped up. An injury leads her to an unexpected connection with a doctor and his family. But emotions, for an assassin, are a dangerous proposition. As Hornclaw's world closes in, this final chapter in her career may also mark her own bloody end.
A sensation in South Korea, and now translated into English for the first time by Chi-Young Kim, The Old Woman with the Knife is an electrifying, singular, mordantly funny novel about the expectations imposed on aging bodies and the dramatic ways in which one woman chooses to reclaim her agency.
At sixty-five, Hornclaw is beginning to slow down. She lives modestly in a small apartment, with only her aging dog, a rescue named Deadweight, to keep her company. There are expectations for people her age--that she'll retire and live out the rest of her days quietly. But Hornclaw is not like other people. She is an assassin.
Double-crossers, corporate enemies, cheating spouses--for the past four decades, Hornclaw has killed them all with ruthless efficiency, and the less she's known about her targets, the better. But now, nearing the end of her career, she has just slipped up. An injury leads her to an unexpected connection with a doctor and his family. But emotions, for an assassin, are a dangerous proposition. As Hornclaw's world closes in, this final chapter in her career may also mark her own bloody end.
A sensation in South Korea, and now translated into English for the first time by Chi-Young Kim, The Old Woman with the Knife is an electrifying, singular, mordantly funny novel about the expectations imposed on aging bodies and the dramatic ways in which one woman chooses to reclaim her agency.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2013
About the author
Gu Byeong-mo
22 books138 followersAssociated Names:
* 구병모 (Korean)
* Gu Byeong-mo (English)
* คูบยองโม (Thai)
Gu Byeong-mo is a South Korean writer. She made her literary debut in 2009 when her novel Wizard Bakery won the 2nd Changbi Prize for Young Adult Fiction. Her 2015 short story collection Geugeosi namaneun anigireul received the Today's Writer Award and Hwang Sun-won New Writers' Award.
* 구병모 (Korean)
* Gu Byeong-mo (English)
* คูบยองโม (Thai)
Gu Byeong-mo is a South Korean writer. She made her literary debut in 2009 when her novel Wizard Bakery won the 2nd Changbi Prize for Young Adult Fiction. Her 2015 short story collection Geugeosi namaneun anigireul received the Today's Writer Award and Hwang Sun-won New Writers' Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,123 reviews
March 17, 2023
okay, life goals...
but in truth this felt neither very deep nor very interesting.
a real rock and a hard place in terms of which direction to place my disappointment.
the idea ofand inspiration surrounding an old woman who is also an assassin carried me through this. which is more than most books can say.
i'll just have to become an old woman with a knife myself.
bottom line: meh!
but in truth this felt neither very deep nor very interesting.
a real rock and a hard place in terms of which direction to place my disappointment.
the idea of
i'll just have to become an old woman with a knife myself.
bottom line: meh!
March 25, 2022
She appeared to be "a model senior citizen, whole and refined and respectable...An older person...Nobody pays any mind...With her normal appearance and behavior that meets societal expectations, she skates under the radar...".
Hornclaw was a sixty-five year old female contract killer aka a disease control specialist. Her knives were organized by type in the inner pocket of her jacket. Her job description-Elimination of vermin and pests. "...there aren't that many retired disease control specialists who enjoy a good final act, as retirement...[an] operative tends to mean a violent death in the field...picture someone who has been [eliminating] people for forty-five years...She never presumed she herself would live out her natural life...".
A disease control specialist must be swift, precise and accurate. Hornclaw needed to think of the targets "as clients who hold your life and income in their hands." She must display an emotionless and calm demeanor. She must ignore the digs from a younger assassin "...making fun of an old woman's surely diminished senses and mental strength. Fewer jobs have been assigned to her...perhaps as a generous consideration to a has-been or as a way to signal she should retire." Recently, Hornclaw had made a careless, fatal mistake.
Had there been a shift in her priorities? Deadweight, her adopted twelve year old dog, was at home so that "[Hornclaw] doesn't lose her way, so that she comes home after work. The dog always maintains an appropriate distance, demonstrating that she is alive in the least and most optimal way". Deadweight was her anchor, a light in Hornclaw's solitary existence.
Hornclaw worried that she had outlived her usefulness to the agency and was being erased. In understated, sparse prose, we are privy to the recollections of a trained assassin for hire. But, Hornclaw was starting to "feel", to form an attachment. This attachment would be used to propel a vendetta, revenge for actions in the past.
"The Old Woman with the Knife" by Gu Byeong-mo, translated by Chi-Yong Kim, was a hybrid read; part character study of an aging female contract killer and part thriller. Some of the limitations of aging included the following; "she has to be cautious when she handles [her knife], especially with the recent tremors in her hands" and suggestions made at the gym to do exercises for her "aging muscles". When the thriller aspect of this tome kicked in, the pace was intense, a startling, twisting sequence that barreled to a satisfying ending. Peaches, anyone?
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Hornclaw was a sixty-five year old female contract killer aka a disease control specialist. Her knives were organized by type in the inner pocket of her jacket. Her job description-Elimination of vermin and pests. "...there aren't that many retired disease control specialists who enjoy a good final act, as retirement...[an] operative tends to mean a violent death in the field...picture someone who has been [eliminating] people for forty-five years...She never presumed she herself would live out her natural life...".
A disease control specialist must be swift, precise and accurate. Hornclaw needed to think of the targets "as clients who hold your life and income in their hands." She must display an emotionless and calm demeanor. She must ignore the digs from a younger assassin "...making fun of an old woman's surely diminished senses and mental strength. Fewer jobs have been assigned to her...perhaps as a generous consideration to a has-been or as a way to signal she should retire." Recently, Hornclaw had made a careless, fatal mistake.
Had there been a shift in her priorities? Deadweight, her adopted twelve year old dog, was at home so that "[Hornclaw] doesn't lose her way, so that she comes home after work. The dog always maintains an appropriate distance, demonstrating that she is alive in the least and most optimal way". Deadweight was her anchor, a light in Hornclaw's solitary existence.
Hornclaw worried that she had outlived her usefulness to the agency and was being erased. In understated, sparse prose, we are privy to the recollections of a trained assassin for hire. But, Hornclaw was starting to "feel", to form an attachment. This attachment would be used to propel a vendetta, revenge for actions in the past.
"The Old Woman with the Knife" by Gu Byeong-mo, translated by Chi-Yong Kim, was a hybrid read; part character study of an aging female contract killer and part thriller. Some of the limitations of aging included the following; "she has to be cautious when she handles [her knife], especially with the recent tremors in her hands" and suggestions made at the gym to do exercises for her "aging muscles". When the thriller aspect of this tome kicked in, the pace was intense, a startling, twisting sequence that barreled to a satisfying ending. Peaches, anyone?
Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2022
3.75/5
“She exists like an extra in a movie, woven seamlessly into a scene, behaving as if she had always been there, a retiree thrilled to take care of her grandchildren in her golden years, living the rest of her days with a frugality baked into her bones.”
Our protagonist is a sixty-five-year-old Korean assassin who goes by the name of Hornclaw and has been in the business of “disease-control” for forty-five years and counting, associated with the “agency” she helped build with her late mentor Ryu. She is smart and precise, approaching her target with an almost clinical detachment focusing on the “how” of the extermination of the “vermin” in question and not bothering the “why”.
“You can’t last in this line of work if you show your feelings. It doesn’t matter if it’s rage or discomfort or regret. The most important thing is to let insults wash over you. And you’re a woman, which means you’ll often have to ignore insults.”
She lives with her dog, a rescue she has named Deadweight who understands her perfectly and has “learned her human’s preferences and understands that she still finds it strange to feel the warmth of a living being and how unbearable it is for her to get used to it.” Despite her age, Hornclaw still works in the field with her weapon of choice - a knife laced with poison. Though alert and agile, she feels her physical strength and stamina gradually diminishing and though not quite ready to retire, she knows that her days of active involvement are drawing to a close. She feels a bit out of place among the younger “disease-control specialists” entering the field. She understands how the younger members of the “agency” view her in light of her age. One particular specialist, Bullfight, is openly disrespectful, seems to hold a grudge and appears to be keeping tabs on her. One night, she is injured in the course of an assignment and is forced to take the help of a young doctor instead of the regular physician who has been doing work for the “agency” – an encounter that impacts Hornclaw on a personal level, resulting in an unexpected turn of events leading up to an action-packed finale.
The narrative is sharp and engaging and takes us through Hornclaw’s life as an assassin in the present day with her backstory revealed through flashbacks. The author’s characterization of Hornclaw is superb- with both her detachment and attachments depicted with aplomb. The author excels at both describing the tense moments of Hornclaw’s work-life as well as the more mellow moments of reflection and introspection. The protagonist, Hornclaw, commands respect and admiration. This book is part thriller and part character study with a strong female protagonist. The narrative is well-paced for the most part and even in the slower segments, I did not lose interest. However, if you are expecting an intensely suspenseful, twisty story, this is not it though it has some truly action-packed moments. The writing is direct and factual with emphasis on Hornclaw’s thoughts and actions as she contemplates retirement from a long career in the “disease-control” game and as she faces one last dangerous confrontation that is more personal than professional. I was attracted to this book based on the premise and was not disappointed. Overall, I found The Old Woman With the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo (translated by Chi-Young Kim) an intriguing read that was put hard to down.
“Maybe all living beings get to experience a bright shining moment at least once in their lives, precisely because they all crumble like overripe fruit, disappear like fireworks in the night sky.”
“She exists like an extra in a movie, woven seamlessly into a scene, behaving as if she had always been there, a retiree thrilled to take care of her grandchildren in her golden years, living the rest of her days with a frugality baked into her bones.”
Our protagonist is a sixty-five-year-old Korean assassin who goes by the name of Hornclaw and has been in the business of “disease-control” for forty-five years and counting, associated with the “agency” she helped build with her late mentor Ryu. She is smart and precise, approaching her target with an almost clinical detachment focusing on the “how” of the extermination of the “vermin” in question and not bothering the “why”.
“You can’t last in this line of work if you show your feelings. It doesn’t matter if it’s rage or discomfort or regret. The most important thing is to let insults wash over you. And you’re a woman, which means you’ll often have to ignore insults.”
She lives with her dog, a rescue she has named Deadweight who understands her perfectly and has “learned her human’s preferences and understands that she still finds it strange to feel the warmth of a living being and how unbearable it is for her to get used to it.” Despite her age, Hornclaw still works in the field with her weapon of choice - a knife laced with poison. Though alert and agile, she feels her physical strength and stamina gradually diminishing and though not quite ready to retire, she knows that her days of active involvement are drawing to a close. She feels a bit out of place among the younger “disease-control specialists” entering the field. She understands how the younger members of the “agency” view her in light of her age. One particular specialist, Bullfight, is openly disrespectful, seems to hold a grudge and appears to be keeping tabs on her. One night, she is injured in the course of an assignment and is forced to take the help of a young doctor instead of the regular physician who has been doing work for the “agency” – an encounter that impacts Hornclaw on a personal level, resulting in an unexpected turn of events leading up to an action-packed finale.
The narrative is sharp and engaging and takes us through Hornclaw’s life as an assassin in the present day with her backstory revealed through flashbacks. The author’s characterization of Hornclaw is superb- with both her detachment and attachments depicted with aplomb. The author excels at both describing the tense moments of Hornclaw’s work-life as well as the more mellow moments of reflection and introspection. The protagonist, Hornclaw, commands respect and admiration. This book is part thriller and part character study with a strong female protagonist. The narrative is well-paced for the most part and even in the slower segments, I did not lose interest. However, if you are expecting an intensely suspenseful, twisty story, this is not it though it has some truly action-packed moments. The writing is direct and factual with emphasis on Hornclaw’s thoughts and actions as she contemplates retirement from a long career in the “disease-control” game and as she faces one last dangerous confrontation that is more personal than professional. I was attracted to this book based on the premise and was not disappointed. Overall, I found The Old Woman With the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo (translated by Chi-Young Kim) an intriguing read that was put hard to down.
“Maybe all living beings get to experience a bright shining moment at least once in their lives, precisely because they all crumble like overripe fruit, disappear like fireworks in the night sky.”
April 10, 2022
“The Old Woman With the Knife” by Gu Byeong-mo and translated by Chi-Young Kim is a clever Korean novel about an aging assassin. Hornclaw, is a “model senior citizen, wholesome and refined”, and is introduced to the reader as she enters the subway. Hornclaw does not look like a typical killer, as she reads her large print pocket-size Bible. Yet she’s a stealthy killer, well, she was.
This is a very clever story. She’s considering retiring given her aging body. After she suffers an injury, she sees her doctor, who provides a blind eye to her odd and numerous work-related injuries. This is a fun, and at times almost whimsical story about an aging female assassin who struggles with acknowledging she is past her prime.
Hornclaw has worked for her agency for 45 years as a “disease control specialist”. She’s adept at her poisoned knife, killing quickly and efficiently. Yet she suffers from dismissive if not contemptuous fellow workers highlighting Korean’s attitude towards the aging work force. One fellow assassin, Bullfight, refers to her as “granny” would love to “make her go away”. Hornclaw’s attitude towards her employer is weary as she wants to retire yet the economic reality of her pensioned life leaves her concerned.
She gains additional concern when she notices someone is sabotaging her work.
Hornclaw is my favorite geriatric female assassin. She’s quirky and likable even though she’s a killer. I enjoyed her workforce drudgery. She’s irascible and just wants to enjoy a quiet retirement. However, someone seems to be in her way.
Beyond reading about a quirky main character, the story provides a glimpse into life in South Korea. Translator Chi-Young Kim does a fantastic job with this work. Nancy Wu narrates the audio, and she also does a fantastic job.
This is a very clever story. She’s considering retiring given her aging body. After she suffers an injury, she sees her doctor, who provides a blind eye to her odd and numerous work-related injuries. This is a fun, and at times almost whimsical story about an aging female assassin who struggles with acknowledging she is past her prime.
Hornclaw has worked for her agency for 45 years as a “disease control specialist”. She’s adept at her poisoned knife, killing quickly and efficiently. Yet she suffers from dismissive if not contemptuous fellow workers highlighting Korean’s attitude towards the aging work force. One fellow assassin, Bullfight, refers to her as “granny” would love to “make her go away”. Hornclaw’s attitude towards her employer is weary as she wants to retire yet the economic reality of her pensioned life leaves her concerned.
She gains additional concern when she notices someone is sabotaging her work.
Hornclaw is my favorite geriatric female assassin. She’s quirky and likable even though she’s a killer. I enjoyed her workforce drudgery. She’s irascible and just wants to enjoy a quiet retirement. However, someone seems to be in her way.
Beyond reading about a quirky main character, the story provides a glimpse into life in South Korea. Translator Chi-Young Kim does a fantastic job with this work. Nancy Wu narrates the audio, and she also does a fantastic job.
November 30, 2022
Still Sharp
"...what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career..."
Liam Neeson's "Taken" character is not in this book. We do have Hornclaw, a 65 year old Korean assassin, a "disease control specialist," who is conceding to herself that her skills are fading. Her declining physical limitations are a given, but she senses her mental edge is slipping. She has always had the ability to treat her job as a job, never hesitating to question why targets have been singled out by her agency.
Just when it seems a quiet retirement is around the corner, a younger agent has made it clear that he is her enemy and Hornclaw has no idea why. He has not only targeted her, but also people she cares about. Things were so much simpler when she was less emotional and more methodical, with no emotional attachments to anyone. The inevitable showdown is coming... and we will not be expecting a Steven Seagal or Liam Neeson gladiator finale here.
With "The Old Woman With the Knife'', Gu Byeong-mo presents us with a rare gift: a savvy protagonist who is both female and a senior. Hornclaw is a well thought out character coming to grips with recharting the path she will pave for her life. A fun read... 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Edelweiss and Harlequin for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
"...what I do have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career..."
Liam Neeson's "Taken" character is not in this book. We do have Hornclaw, a 65 year old Korean assassin, a "disease control specialist," who is conceding to herself that her skills are fading. Her declining physical limitations are a given, but she senses her mental edge is slipping. She has always had the ability to treat her job as a job, never hesitating to question why targets have been singled out by her agency.
Just when it seems a quiet retirement is around the corner, a younger agent has made it clear that he is her enemy and Hornclaw has no idea why. He has not only targeted her, but also people she cares about. Things were so much simpler when she was less emotional and more methodical, with no emotional attachments to anyone. The inevitable showdown is coming... and we will not be expecting a Steven Seagal or Liam Neeson gladiator finale here.
With "The Old Woman With the Knife'', Gu Byeong-mo presents us with a rare gift: a savvy protagonist who is both female and a senior. Hornclaw is a well thought out character coming to grips with recharting the path she will pave for her life. A fun read... 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to Edelweiss and Harlequin for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Mystery Thriller
In this story which is set in South Korea, we get to meet an unusual protagonist. Hornclaw is a sixty-five-year-old lady who is lonely. She lives with her only company which is an old dog. The difference between her and other elderly women of her age is that unlike them Hornclaw is still working. She is not working a normal job. She is an assassin!
The book narrates to us the last chapter of her life. The long working assassin is not as she used to be. She understands that soon she will have to retire. At this stage, not only her age and her physical capabilities seem to be the only obstacles but also her emotional attachment to her new victim.
When I picked up this book it appealed to me due to two main factors. I can’t remember when was the last time I read a story that is set in South Korea. So this was a good opportunity for me to discover the cultural aspects of South Korea in a mystery thriller. Though I can’t say the cultural element is too strong in this book as I thought it would be. The other thing is that the main protagonist is a senior with unconventional traits. This one I have to say made the reading interesting. Not many books are written with older characters as main protagonists. So this was a good option for a change.
The writing is mysterious and strange at times. I believe the author wanted to keep things vague for the sake of keeping the atmosphere mysterious and intriguing. Sometimes this worked for me and other times I just wanted more details to understand the motives of the characters better. Another thing I didn’t get was how this cold-hearted woman changed after all these years. What triggered that change? That is something I kept questioning about this assassin who is depicted as an emotionless woman all her life. This was a decent read but it definitely needed a more focused plot and there was room for more to be told.
Many thanks to the publisher Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
In this story which is set in South Korea, we get to meet an unusual protagonist. Hornclaw is a sixty-five-year-old lady who is lonely. She lives with her only company which is an old dog. The difference between her and other elderly women of her age is that unlike them Hornclaw is still working. She is not working a normal job. She is an assassin!
The book narrates to us the last chapter of her life. The long working assassin is not as she used to be. She understands that soon she will have to retire. At this stage, not only her age and her physical capabilities seem to be the only obstacles but also her emotional attachment to her new victim.
When I picked up this book it appealed to me due to two main factors. I can’t remember when was the last time I read a story that is set in South Korea. So this was a good opportunity for me to discover the cultural aspects of South Korea in a mystery thriller. Though I can’t say the cultural element is too strong in this book as I thought it would be. The other thing is that the main protagonist is a senior with unconventional traits. This one I have to say made the reading interesting. Not many books are written with older characters as main protagonists. So this was a good option for a change.
The writing is mysterious and strange at times. I believe the author wanted to keep things vague for the sake of keeping the atmosphere mysterious and intriguing. Sometimes this worked for me and other times I just wanted more details to understand the motives of the characters better. Another thing I didn’t get was how this cold-hearted woman changed after all these years. What triggered that change? That is something I kept questioning about this assassin who is depicted as an emotionless woman all her life. This was a decent read but it definitely needed a more focused plot and there was room for more to be told.
Many thanks to the publisher Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
July 5, 2022
"Trying to picture someone who has been killing people for forty-five years frying chicken or dry-cleaning clothes is like trying to imagine an old wolf incubating an egg."
What happens to an aging hired killer when she reaches grandma-age? Does she sit at home baking cookies and knitting? Or does she continue her career in "disease control", exterminating the vermin and pests of society?
Hornclaw opts for the latter. She might be slowing down but she's determined to continue. Her past, however, catches up to her just as she befriends a widowed doctor and his young daughter.
I enjoyed Hornclaw's character, this feisty, tough older woman. The author's insights into how society stereotypes older women were fantastic and spot-on.
"They excise her from their consciousness as if she’s unimportant, recyclable. Or they never even saw her to begin with."
Hornclaw has become invisible, and those who do see and acknowledge her have certain expectations of how she should be, from her choice of reading material to how she wears her hair to the sort of exercise she can do.
Hornclaw proves you can't put older women in a box, anymore than anyone else. She defies expectations and that makes her a most admirable character. It's refreshing to read a story with an older female MC and though I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with this book, it was a fun ride and I'm glad I read it.
What happens to an aging hired killer when she reaches grandma-age? Does she sit at home baking cookies and knitting? Or does she continue her career in "disease control", exterminating the vermin and pests of society?
Hornclaw opts for the latter. She might be slowing down but she's determined to continue. Her past, however, catches up to her just as she befriends a widowed doctor and his young daughter.
I enjoyed Hornclaw's character, this feisty, tough older woman. The author's insights into how society stereotypes older women were fantastic and spot-on.
"They excise her from their consciousness as if she’s unimportant, recyclable. Or they never even saw her to begin with."
Hornclaw has become invisible, and those who do see and acknowledge her have certain expectations of how she should be, from her choice of reading material to how she wears her hair to the sort of exercise she can do.
Hornclaw proves you can't put older women in a box, anymore than anyone else. She defies expectations and that makes her a most admirable character. It's refreshing to read a story with an older female MC and though I didn't fall head-over-heels in love with this book, it was a fun ride and I'm glad I read it.
February 9, 2022
This is the first book I have read that is set in Korea. At first I didn’t even know whether it was South Korea or North Korea and the time line is also vague. Ultimately it turned out to be set South Korea some time after the Korean War and then 45 years into the future which brings the story to sometime near the present day. I always struggle a bit when I don’t have a sense of place and time for a story.
The other thing that discombobulated me was that I’d always pictured South Korea as a modern and affluent country with a high standard of living but this story included many mentions of poverty and struggle. The woman with the knife is known only by the code name Hornclaw and she is a 65 year old assassin for hire (euphemistically referred to as a disease control specialist) who favours knife work over other forms of killing. She has been doing this for 45 years after kind of accidentally falling into the ‘profession’.
Having said all that the story is not really about assassinations, it’s more an examination of ageing and how it affects people. Hornclaw is starting to feel her age. Although she is still fit and strong she knows her working days are numbered and while she has a comfortable amount of savings to live on, she is by no means rich. Much of the story is a reflection of how she got to where she is and her prospects for any sort of retirement versus being killed on one of her last jobs. She lives with an adopted dog called Deadweight and he is her only companion. As she approaches retirement she allows herself the luxury of feeling some small emotions and this is almost the undoing of her.
It was a strange piece of writing. I don’t know if it was intentional or if something was lost in translation but the whole book felt very dispassionate. There was no drama and even the fight scenes were narrated as if giving a dry statement of events. I can’t say that I really enjoyed this although I didn’t dislike it either but I felt it needed more feeling. As it was it took me three days to read as I had to read some other books in between to perk me up again. There was not that much of a story to it, rather an old woman’s reflections on her life and profession. Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
The other thing that discombobulated me was that I’d always pictured South Korea as a modern and affluent country with a high standard of living but this story included many mentions of poverty and struggle. The woman with the knife is known only by the code name Hornclaw and she is a 65 year old assassin for hire (euphemistically referred to as a disease control specialist) who favours knife work over other forms of killing. She has been doing this for 45 years after kind of accidentally falling into the ‘profession’.
Having said all that the story is not really about assassinations, it’s more an examination of ageing and how it affects people. Hornclaw is starting to feel her age. Although she is still fit and strong she knows her working days are numbered and while she has a comfortable amount of savings to live on, she is by no means rich. Much of the story is a reflection of how she got to where she is and her prospects for any sort of retirement versus being killed on one of her last jobs. She lives with an adopted dog called Deadweight and he is her only companion. As she approaches retirement she allows herself the luxury of feeling some small emotions and this is almost the undoing of her.
It was a strange piece of writing. I don’t know if it was intentional or if something was lost in translation but the whole book felt very dispassionate. There was no drama and even the fight scenes were narrated as if giving a dry statement of events. I can’t say that I really enjoyed this although I didn’t dislike it either but I felt it needed more feeling. As it was it took me three days to read as I had to read some other books in between to perk me up again. There was not that much of a story to it, rather an old woman’s reflections on her life and profession. Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
March 18, 2022
I knew going into this novel that I was going to enjoy it as this sounded just right in my alley. It definitely did not disappoint, I've have read very few books with women being assassin and absolutely none with a 65 year old woman being one. An interesting premise and I liked the plot. Would be interested to read more by this author in the future as I liked the writing style
May 25, 2022
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The Old Woman with the Knife follows Hornclaw a 65-year-old assassin in South Korea who is noticing that she is no longer as fit as she used to be. She makes a few slips up on the job and wonders when her company is going to force her into retirement. Due to the nature of her job Hornclaw leads a solitary lifestyle, her only companion is an old dog whose presence she endures more than she enjoys. She is shown to be fairly apathetic and efficient even if the people around her are quick to dismiss her based on her gender and age. Not only does Hornclaw have to contend with the possibility of her motor and cognitive skills deteriorating but a young male colleague of hers seems eager to embarrass her, talking down to her and making jabs at her techniques. Although mildly annoyed by this Hornclaw doesn’t seem particularly bothered by him however when it seems that his dislike of her may be deeper than what their superficial colleague-relationship entails, Hornclaw can no longer be passive. When he begins to interfere with her jobs and her private life Hornclaw has no choice but to confront him.
I was hoping for the story to be more about Hornclaw’s profession rather than the cat/mouse game between her and her colleague. That man is fairly one-dimensional and the way he is portrayed often veers into the cartoonish so I never took him as a serious threat. While we do get glimpses into Hornclaw’s past, in particular the circumstances that led to her entering this line of work and her relationship with her mentor, the narrative relies too much on the ‘telling’ of things. I would have preferred to read more scenes actually showing Hornclaw working, either on her first jobs or her most memorable killings. Hornclaw’s characterisation also seemed a tad uneven. It seemed to me that the author couldn’t quite bring themselves to portray Hornclaw as a ruthless and self-serving killer so we end up with a character who demonstrates very inconsistent characteristics that don’t quite add up. Also, we are told that at one point or another she has cared for two individuals but I didn’t quite believe that as the first instance is the cliched mentee has feelings for mentor shebang and the other was just kind of weird. Lastly, while for much of the narrative we are told about how remorseless and cold-hearted Hornclaw is she actually comes across as frustratingly unassertive and not incredibly good at her job. It would have been more refreshing to see a character of her age and gender be outspoken or even aggressive and arrogant. Hornclaw ascribes her ‘softening’ to her ageing but that seemed a bit of a cop-out. I’m sure that frailty or the possibility of frailty could make one feel more vulnerable or more perceptive and sympathetic of the vulnerabilities of others but it does end up making Hornclaw into a rather corny character. Still, I can't think of another book that is centred on a female assassin in her mid-60s so if you are interested in this kind of premise you should definitely check this one out for yourself.
The Old Woman with the Knife follows Hornclaw a 65-year-old assassin in South Korea who is noticing that she is no longer as fit as she used to be. She makes a few slips up on the job and wonders when her company is going to force her into retirement. Due to the nature of her job Hornclaw leads a solitary lifestyle, her only companion is an old dog whose presence she endures more than she enjoys. She is shown to be fairly apathetic and efficient even if the people around her are quick to dismiss her based on her gender and age. Not only does Hornclaw have to contend with the possibility of her motor and cognitive skills deteriorating but a young male colleague of hers seems eager to embarrass her, talking down to her and making jabs at her techniques. Although mildly annoyed by this Hornclaw doesn’t seem particularly bothered by him however when it seems that his dislike of her may be deeper than what their superficial colleague-relationship entails, Hornclaw can no longer be passive. When he begins to interfere with her jobs and her private life Hornclaw has no choice but to confront him.
I was hoping for the story to be more about Hornclaw’s profession rather than the cat/mouse game between her and her colleague. That man is fairly one-dimensional and the way he is portrayed often veers into the cartoonish so I never took him as a serious threat. While we do get glimpses into Hornclaw’s past, in particular the circumstances that led to her entering this line of work and her relationship with her mentor, the narrative relies too much on the ‘telling’ of things. I would have preferred to read more scenes actually showing Hornclaw working, either on her first jobs or her most memorable killings. Hornclaw’s characterisation also seemed a tad uneven. It seemed to me that the author couldn’t quite bring themselves to portray Hornclaw as a ruthless and self-serving killer so we end up with a character who demonstrates very inconsistent characteristics that don’t quite add up. Also, we are told that at one point or another she has cared for two individuals but I didn’t quite believe that as the first instance is the cliched mentee has feelings for mentor shebang and the other was just kind of weird. Lastly, while for much of the narrative we are told about how remorseless and cold-hearted Hornclaw is she actually comes across as frustratingly unassertive and not incredibly good at her job. It would have been more refreshing to see a character of her age and gender be outspoken or even aggressive and arrogant. Hornclaw ascribes her ‘softening’ to her ageing but that seemed a bit of a cop-out. I’m sure that frailty or the possibility of frailty could make one feel more vulnerable or more perceptive and sympathetic of the vulnerabilities of others but it does end up making Hornclaw into a rather corny character. Still, I can't think of another book that is centred on a female assassin in her mid-60s so if you are interested in this kind of premise you should definitely check this one out for yourself.
November 27, 2023
How is a reader supposed to feel when we begin a story with characters named, Hornclaw, Worryfixer, and/or Bullfight?
Oh…
And, let’s not forget the loyal, smart dog, Deadweight.
Is this a comedy, or a mystery? Or something else?
I was first taken in by the opening scene of the old woman, who is just 65 but being described as if she were in her 80’s. She is a passenger on the subway.
But…
Her presence isn’t really noticed.
“People stare at their phones, headphones in their ears, shrinking from and swaying with the unending wave of humanity, quickly forgetting that an old person has entered their midst. They excise her from their consciousness as if she’s unimportant, recyclable. Or they never even saw her to begin with.”
It is her job not to be noticed. But, in so many cases, it saddens me that humanity chooses to ignore the elderly. And, that scene affected me. Reminded me how easily the older generation has become “invisible” to most generations. Out of sight, out of mind?
However…
In this particular case, this elder person, was invisible on purpose to do her job, and that was to eliminate an individual who happened to be travelling on the subway, too.
Job done efficiently. Without notice. Just like her.
So…
This story, isn’t as innocent as an old woman with a knife to cut vegetables, perhaps. She has a job. And she is a partner in this enterprise. That is serious about their jobs.
And her name according to the narrator is…
Hornclaw.
And…
She has a dog, named Deadweight. Who knows her place.
But…
Then, the other characters with odd names, are all part of this enterprise business.
What specific role will they play?
And…
How will we feel as readers as Hornclaw’s story unfolds?
Well…
Soon, it became clear that this wasn’t a comedy.
And that…
There will be consequences for being in such a profession.
And as we weave back and forth between past and present, we learn more.
“Let’s not make anything we have to protect.”
The question becomes…
Does it make us care more about her or not? Because we know that is key to any story – whether or not we connect with the characters.
So…
what happens when the greatest amount of feeling as a reader goes to Deadweight, the dog?
And yet…
I still turned the pages. What is happening here? Will this story provide a satisfying end?
No spoilers from me.
If you enjoyed “An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good” by Helene Tursten, (Review Here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) or her follow-up, “An Elderly Lady Must Not be Crossed,” (Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ) you might enjoy this one, too.
3.5 stars.
March 31, 2022
What's the purpose of this book? Seriously. It doesn't add up. It's not particularly thrilling. The characters aren't particularly interesting and their motivations seem supremely muddled. It could have been delightful if there had been anything "mordantly funny" about it but unless there is something inherently funny about an assassin being a 65 year old woman, it wasn't funny on any level. Maybe the unrealized promise of "mordantly funny" is what disappointed me most. The travails of a woman of retirement age trying to navigate her way back to normal life after a lifetime of following a very violent and secret career would have been delightful. kinda mixed feelings here, and disappointment at the lost chances to have made a better story happen.
January 19, 2023
What is going on in Japan??? So many assassins....(see Bullet Train too). Interesting bloody read.
July 8, 2022
3.5 - liked all the action, but found it a bit dry and flat in the narrative - still recommend
June 16, 2024
This would never have become an issue before when her veins were springy and taut and new blood roared continuously through them and her body was so resilient that she was like an apple that didn't bruise when someone threw it against the ground.
The Old Woman with the Knife is Chi-Young Kim's translation of 파과 by 구병모 (Gu Byeong-Mo).
The English title was originally going to be Bruised Fruit, which would be closer to the original title (albeit the original title isn't a word that exists as such in Korean) - as the author has explained in an interview:
The title for the American edition of 파과 was changed into something more intuitive and intriguing, but the original title has an ambiguity to it—it’s a Chinese homonym that means “bruised fruit” and “peak of youth” or “the flower of life"
The novel is based around the character of "Hornclaw" - 조각(爪角) in the original. She is a 65 year-old "disease controller" (방역업자), a euphemism for a professional hitman, hired to eliminate vermin. Although whether it is those wanting them eliminated who are the real vermin is beyond the scope of her interest as she simply takes her orders from the administrator Worryfixer (a colourful character, who in the English translation, at the author's request, is described in non-binary pronouns).
The author chose the character as a counterpoint to the young male hitman in 설계자들 by 김언수, translated into English as The Plotters, and was inspired when she removed some rotten peaches from her fridge, hence the original title.
Hornclaw, physically and mentally finely toned and emotionless in the execution of her tasks, has been ruthlessly successful at her job, but now her mind (early signs of dementia?) and body (she no longer recovers quickly from physical blows received) are beginning to betray her. And indeed her emotions as well, as she starts to feel the pull of a more normal family life, such as she has never known, the first sign being the, even to her, rather inexplicable decision to take a stray dog into her home, one she names Deadweight.
This part of the novel is very effective and Hornclaw is a well-drawn character, but the novel is given a side-story when a younger fellow disease controller starts to needle Hornclaw, for reasons unclear to her but revealed to the reader. And disappointingly the climax of the novel is less about Hornclaw's physical and emotional development and instead a rather implausible knife-fight - one of those that begs the question why neither participant resorts to the Indiana Jones tactic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YyBt...) - and which would work a lot better in a movie than it does on the page.
3 stars (4 until the 2 star ending)
Sources:
https://www.fodors.com/news/books/int...
https://www.kln.or.kr/frames/intervie...
The Old Woman with the Knife is Chi-Young Kim's translation of 파과 by 구병모 (Gu Byeong-Mo).
The English title was originally going to be Bruised Fruit, which would be closer to the original title (albeit the original title isn't a word that exists as such in Korean) - as the author has explained in an interview:
The title for the American edition of 파과 was changed into something more intuitive and intriguing, but the original title has an ambiguity to it—it’s a Chinese homonym that means “bruised fruit” and “peak of youth” or “the flower of life"
The novel is based around the character of "Hornclaw" - 조각(爪角) in the original. She is a 65 year-old "disease controller" (방역업자), a euphemism for a professional hitman, hired to eliminate vermin. Although whether it is those wanting them eliminated who are the real vermin is beyond the scope of her interest as she simply takes her orders from the administrator Worryfixer (a colourful character, who in the English translation, at the author's request, is described in non-binary pronouns).
The author chose the character as a counterpoint to the young male hitman in 설계자들 by 김언수, translated into English as The Plotters, and was inspired when she removed some rotten peaches from her fridge, hence the original title.
Hornclaw, physically and mentally finely toned and emotionless in the execution of her tasks, has been ruthlessly successful at her job, but now her mind (early signs of dementia?) and body (she no longer recovers quickly from physical blows received) are beginning to betray her. And indeed her emotions as well, as she starts to feel the pull of a more normal family life, such as she has never known, the first sign being the, even to her, rather inexplicable decision to take a stray dog into her home, one she names Deadweight.
This part of the novel is very effective and Hornclaw is a well-drawn character, but the novel is given a side-story when a younger fellow disease controller starts to needle Hornclaw, for reasons unclear to her but revealed to the reader. And disappointingly the climax of the novel is less about Hornclaw's physical and emotional development and instead a rather implausible knife-fight - one of those that begs the question why neither participant resorts to the Indiana Jones tactic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YyBt...) - and which would work a lot better in a movie than it does on the page.
3 stars (4 until the 2 star ending)
Sources:
https://www.fodors.com/news/books/int...
https://www.kln.or.kr/frames/intervie...
April 11, 2022
Having recently enjoyed some of the wonderful films and TV series coming out of South Korea, I was attracted to The Old Woman with the Knife (2013) by Gu Byeong-mo. It was a sensation in South Korea and has just been translated into English for the first time.
The story centres around a 65 year old female assasin called Hornclaw who is starting to doubt herself. Her strength, professionalism, and instincts appear to be on the wane. A 65 year old female assasin? What's not to love?
There's plenty to enjoy and appreciate: the South Korean setting, the unlikely protagonist, a twisty and interesting story, insights into the apparently harsh economic and social realities of modern Korean society, and their attitudes to old people.
The non-linear narrative moves across time time to explain Hornclaw's personal history and background. The ending was maybe a little disappointing in the context of what preceded it, but that's a minor quibble. I remained captivated throughout and I hope we see more books by Gu Byeong-mo translated into English.
4/5
At 65 years, Hornclaw is beginning to slow down. She lives modestly in a small apartment, with only her aging dog, a rescue named Deadweight, to keep her company. There are expectations for people her age—that she'll retire and live out the rest of her days quietly. But Hornclaw is not like other people. She is an assassin.
The story centres around a 65 year old female assasin called Hornclaw who is starting to doubt herself. Her strength, professionalism, and instincts appear to be on the wane. A 65 year old female assasin? What's not to love?
There's plenty to enjoy and appreciate: the South Korean setting, the unlikely protagonist, a twisty and interesting story, insights into the apparently harsh economic and social realities of modern Korean society, and their attitudes to old people.
The non-linear narrative moves across time time to explain Hornclaw's personal history and background. The ending was maybe a little disappointing in the context of what preceded it, but that's a minor quibble. I remained captivated throughout and I hope we see more books by Gu Byeong-mo translated into English.
4/5
At 65 years, Hornclaw is beginning to slow down. She lives modestly in a small apartment, with only her aging dog, a rescue named Deadweight, to keep her company. There are expectations for people her age—that she'll retire and live out the rest of her days quietly. But Hornclaw is not like other people. She is an assassin.
January 10, 2024
Dobrze spędziłam czas przy audiobooku, choć nie będzie to „moja” historia.
May 22, 2022
i've never read a story featuring a sixty-five-year-old female assassin before, and i definitely enjoyed how novel this premise was!
though the third-person present tense narration was a smidge off-putting for me, and some parts were slower than i would've preferred, i was truly endeared to hornclaw, our protagonist. i felt moved by certain scenes - particularly flashbacks from her past, time spent with her dog, as well as the climax; during these moments, the book evoked such heartachingly bittersweet emotions in me.
thank you sheena for buddy reading this! 🔪
though the third-person present tense narration was a smidge off-putting for me, and some parts were slower than i would've preferred, i was truly endeared to hornclaw, our protagonist. i felt moved by certain scenes - particularly flashbacks from her past, time spent with her dog, as well as the climax; during these moments, the book evoked such heartachingly bittersweet emotions in me.
thank you sheena for buddy reading this! 🔪
February 12, 2024
I enjoyed this, what can I say I love stubborn women. Byeong-mo's Hornclaw has great experience in expediting the exit of 'diseases' but very little experience in opening herself up to emotions, love. All her tentative tries in this regard pushed her more and more towards disease control. So her acknowledgement that there are other uses for her nails, her hand, is her stamping her foot saying, no, I'll continue trying.
A good one.
A good one.
January 19, 2022
What a great book. I couldn't put it down. Once you start reading this book you'll want to keep reading it.
Hornclaw is a sixty-five-year-old female contract killer who is considering retirement. A fighter who has experienced loss and grief early on in life, she lives in a state of self-imposed isolation, with just her dog, Deadweight, for company.
While on an assassination job for the 'disease control' company she works for, Hornclaw makes an uncharacteristic error, causing a sequence of events that brings her past well and truly into the present.
Threatened with sabotage by a young male upstart and battling new desires and urges when she least expects them, Hornclaw steels her resolve, demonstrating that no matter their age, the female of the species is always more deadly than the male. Highly recommend.
Hornclaw is a sixty-five-year-old female contract killer who is considering retirement. A fighter who has experienced loss and grief early on in life, she lives in a state of self-imposed isolation, with just her dog, Deadweight, for company.
While on an assassination job for the 'disease control' company she works for, Hornclaw makes an uncharacteristic error, causing a sequence of events that brings her past well and truly into the present.
Threatened with sabotage by a young male upstart and battling new desires and urges when she least expects them, Hornclaw steels her resolve, demonstrating that no matter their age, the female of the species is always more deadly than the male. Highly recommend.
July 6, 2023
The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo
Thriller | Asian Literature | Audiobook
•Hornclaw a sixty five year old assassin who isn’t your typically murderer. She is ruthless and if you are one of her targets, then assume you’ll be dead.
•The word “fetus” has never sounded so funny. I was hooked at the beginning of this book, like who names their dog “deadweight”. Hornclaw was an unique and intriguing character. However the plot dragged in the middle and I was expecting a massive twist at the end but it didn’t happen for me.
Feels: eerie. I won’t be looking at an old person the same way ever again! Thanks.
★★★ 3/5
Thriller | Asian Literature | Audiobook
•Hornclaw a sixty five year old assassin who isn’t your typically murderer. She is ruthless and if you are one of her targets, then assume you’ll be dead.
•The word “fetus” has never sounded so funny. I was hooked at the beginning of this book, like who names their dog “deadweight”. Hornclaw was an unique and intriguing character. However the plot dragged in the middle and I was expecting a massive twist at the end but it didn’t happen for me.
Feels: eerie. I won’t be looking at an old person the same way ever again! Thanks.
★★★ 3/5
April 14, 2022
Hmmm…
When I checked in with my wife with a “so, do you have something to read on the flight home?” I learned that she was also reading this book. I had mentioned that I was about to start it, and she followed suit.
We were at about the same place in the book at that point and had the same reaction: “It’s a little strange, but I want to see where it goes.” When she landed we concurred that it went somewhere interesting and satisfying by the end.
I will acknowledge that I am drawn to books featuring strong older women. My mother and sister set a high standard in that regard, and I am trying to follow in their paths. So a book about a 65 year old female assassin was a natural for me.
I especially enjoyed the fact that Hornclaw (the old woman of this book) struggled with age-related infirmities but didn’t let them stop her. Although the premise of the book was, well, strange, this element seemed quite realistic.
And then there is her dog, Deadweight. Don’t get me started. A great addition on a number of levels.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in off-beat crime fiction in translation. Oh, I wasn’t crazy about the narration. I have an idea I would have enjoyed it more had I read it in print.
When I checked in with my wife with a “so, do you have something to read on the flight home?” I learned that she was also reading this book. I had mentioned that I was about to start it, and she followed suit.
We were at about the same place in the book at that point and had the same reaction: “It’s a little strange, but I want to see where it goes.” When she landed we concurred that it went somewhere interesting and satisfying by the end.
I will acknowledge that I am drawn to books featuring strong older women. My mother and sister set a high standard in that regard, and I am trying to follow in their paths. So a book about a 65 year old female assassin was a natural for me.
I especially enjoyed the fact that Hornclaw (the old woman of this book) struggled with age-related infirmities but didn’t let them stop her. Although the premise of the book was, well, strange, this element seemed quite realistic.
And then there is her dog, Deadweight. Don’t get me started. A great addition on a number of levels.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in off-beat crime fiction in translation. Oh, I wasn’t crazy about the narration. I have an idea I would have enjoyed it more had I read it in print.
February 1, 2022
Brutality and tenderness meet unexpectedly in this strikingly original thriller that brings into focus questions of aging and erasure, legacy and compassion. Boldly imagined and deftly executed, THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE is an unforgettable experience.
March 25, 2022
Darker than I expected, I liked the full circle nature of the very beginning and ending
March 12, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Old Woman with the Knife.
The premise was so intriguing I downloaded the ARC when my request was approved.
The narrative was not as suspenseful or dramatic as I had imagined it would be, though the ending nearly makes up for it.
The writing is good, but the tone was dry.
That might be due to the translation or the writing style but the prose was stiff, like reading a business manual.
There is very little dialogue and interactions between Hornclaw and anyone else.
There's hardly any dialogue at all.
The cast of characters is small, naturally, since Hornclaw is the star, but the few people we do meet are one dimensional and not fleshed out, perhaps because Hornclaw is the main attraction.
Hornclaw is a fascinating character and we are offered brief insight into her origins and how she became the person she is now.
There is excellent social commentary on the aging population and the elderly; how society acts and treats older people; how we ignore or disregard them as we walk by, how they irritate and annoy us.
This wasn't bad, but I would have loved it if the plot had been more interesting, with action, and interactions with better supporting characters.
The premise was so intriguing I downloaded the ARC when my request was approved.
The narrative was not as suspenseful or dramatic as I had imagined it would be, though the ending nearly makes up for it.
The writing is good, but the tone was dry.
That might be due to the translation or the writing style but the prose was stiff, like reading a business manual.
There is very little dialogue and interactions between Hornclaw and anyone else.
There's hardly any dialogue at all.
The cast of characters is small, naturally, since Hornclaw is the star, but the few people we do meet are one dimensional and not fleshed out, perhaps because Hornclaw is the main attraction.
Hornclaw is a fascinating character and we are offered brief insight into her origins and how she became the person she is now.
There is excellent social commentary on the aging population and the elderly; how society acts and treats older people; how we ignore or disregard them as we walk by, how they irritate and annoy us.
This wasn't bad, but I would have loved it if the plot had been more interesting, with action, and interactions with better supporting characters.
October 5, 2022
Hornclaw should probably retire but she just can't bring herself to do it. Even though her memory is getting fuzzy and she knows that eventually this will mean she will mess up a job. This is mostly a slow burn where we follow Hornclaw as she worries, as she tries to cover up her mistakes, as she starts to become unusually interested in one particular family. But it's peppered with some pretty intense kills where we get to see just how much of a threat Hornclaw can be.
American readers can struggle with this kind of book, where it doesn't hit the usual beats and doesn't follow the usual genre rules. But for me, that's always a big bonus. I love getting pulled out of the usual and into something different.
Would be kind of fun to pair this with KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, two totally tonal opposites about aging assassins.
American readers can struggle with this kind of book, where it doesn't hit the usual beats and doesn't follow the usual genre rules. But for me, that's always a big bonus. I love getting pulled out of the usual and into something different.
Would be kind of fun to pair this with KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE, two totally tonal opposites about aging assassins.
Read
October 8, 2023Although I'm marking this as finished, I've given up on this at the 40% mark, and, as this site informs me, I've been reading this book for six weeks now meaning I'm making little progress and painfully dulled despite my expectations. The premise of the book, a sixty five year old woman working as an assassin for a death dealing agency, attracted me to it. But there's little else that held my attention, which is odd as the book itself is filled with well described details of stealthy murders and violence, and what with our minds being shaped to accommodate this as the most enthralling form of entertainment there is.
In the end this book isn't necessarily to blame for my disappointment, I am. It never pretended to be anything it wasn't. And honestly it was intriguing in the beginning, and might interest those who like stories with a premise like this one. It's not everyday that books about older people, especially women, are written and published, much less translated into English. So reading about an old woman who uses the cloak of invisibility society wraps around the old as it pushes them towards the margins of society to become unseen and unheard as a tool in her trade as an assassin did thrill me, until it didn't. Honestly I've never been a big fan of detective/murder/"action" stories, and only tend to like them when there's more besides killings and when writers delve brilliantly into the societal conditions that produce violence, which is to say I kind of set myself up here. At the back of my mind as I read this, the only thing that echoed was this passage fromTransit by Anna Seghers
In the end this book isn't necessarily to blame for my disappointment, I am. It never pretended to be anything it wasn't. And honestly it was intriguing in the beginning, and might interest those who like stories with a premise like this one. It's not everyday that books about older people, especially women, are written and published, much less translated into English. So reading about an old woman who uses the cloak of invisibility society wraps around the old as it pushes them towards the margins of society to become unseen and unheard as a tool in her trade as an assassin did thrill me, until it didn't. Honestly I've never been a big fan of detective/murder/"action" stories, and only tend to like them when there's more besides killings and when writers delve brilliantly into the societal conditions that produce violence, which is to say I kind of set myself up here. At the back of my mind as I read this, the only thing that echoed was this passage fromTransit by Anna Seghers
"Aren't you thoroughly fed up with such thrilling stories? Aren't you sick of all these suspenseful tales about people surviving mortal danger by a hair, about breathtaking escapes? Me, I'm sick and tired of them. If something still thrills me today, then maybe it's an old worker's yarn about how many feet of wire he's drawn in the course of his long life and what tools he used, or the glow of the lamplight by which a few children are doing their homework."
October 15, 2022
A Killer of a Certain Age*
Review of the Harlequin Audio audiobook edition (March 8, 2022) of the English language translation by Chi-Young Kim of the Korean language original 파과 [Bruised Fruit] (July 19, 2013)
The geriatric detective or secret agent is not a completely new type of genre protagonist. They go back at least as far as Agatha Christie's Miss Marple (1930-1976) and have had periodic revivals in pulpy characters such as L.A. Morse's The Old Dick (1981). There does seem to be a recent increased trend though with efforts such as Thomas Perry's The Old Man (2017), Richard Osman's entire series of the Thursday Murder Club (2020 - ongoing) and Deanna Rayburn's Killers of a Certain Age (2022 - see below under Trivia). Perhaps this is a sign of an aging reading population?
Korean novelist Gu Byeong-Mo was ahead of this late upswing though with her original Korean language novel in 2013. Perhaps her English language publishers saw its marketability though in the current climate by releasing its translated edition in early 2022. Gu does create a reasonably believable character in the 65-year-old female assassin Hornclaw (an alias) who is dealing with the aging issues of her body in the face of a young competitor Bullfight (again an alias) who is seeking to take her down for reasons beyond professional rivalry.
Even though this is a very compact novel (only 6.5 hours in its audiobook edition) there is ample time devoted to backstory (via flashbacks) and character development. Hornclaw leads a lonely existence with only an aging canine companion Deadweight (everyone seems to have ironic names or aliases throughout). She works for an assassination bureau which uses pest and vermin extermination terms as euphemisms for their work. Somewhat implausibly though, Hornclaw's weapon of choice is a knife (albeit with a poisoned tip) which requires close body contact in her missions. The final showdown scene does seem to step into superhuman territory in that regard. Still, this was an entertaining and unique read.
I highly recommend reading Paul Fulcher's review which provides background on some of the changes from the Korean to English in the translation. Paul also provides links to two excellent interviews with author Gu Byeong-mo (one includes translator Chi-Young Kim) where she discusses the variety of subjects in her novels.
I listened to The Old Woman with the Knife due to its being the Audible Daily Deal on October 11, 2022. The narration performance by Nancy Wu was excellent in all voices.
Trivia and Link
* My lede is inspired by the 4-fold similarly themed Killers of a Certain Age (September 6, 2022) by Deanna Raybourn which seems possibly inspired by the Korean book.
Review of the Harlequin Audio audiobook edition (March 8, 2022) of the English language translation by Chi-Young Kim of the Korean language original 파과 [Bruised Fruit] (July 19, 2013)
The geriatric detective or secret agent is not a completely new type of genre protagonist. They go back at least as far as Agatha Christie's Miss Marple (1930-1976) and have had periodic revivals in pulpy characters such as L.A. Morse's The Old Dick (1981). There does seem to be a recent increased trend though with efforts such as Thomas Perry's The Old Man (2017), Richard Osman's entire series of the Thursday Murder Club (2020 - ongoing) and Deanna Rayburn's Killers of a Certain Age (2022 - see below under Trivia). Perhaps this is a sign of an aging reading population?
Korean novelist Gu Byeong-Mo was ahead of this late upswing though with her original Korean language novel in 2013. Perhaps her English language publishers saw its marketability though in the current climate by releasing its translated edition in early 2022. Gu does create a reasonably believable character in the 65-year-old female assassin Hornclaw (an alias) who is dealing with the aging issues of her body in the face of a young competitor Bullfight (again an alias) who is seeking to take her down for reasons beyond professional rivalry.
Even though this is a very compact novel (only 6.5 hours in its audiobook edition) there is ample time devoted to backstory (via flashbacks) and character development. Hornclaw leads a lonely existence with only an aging canine companion Deadweight (everyone seems to have ironic names or aliases throughout). She works for an assassination bureau which uses pest and vermin extermination terms as euphemisms for their work. Somewhat implausibly though, Hornclaw's weapon of choice is a knife (albeit with a poisoned tip) which requires close body contact in her missions. The final showdown scene does seem to step into superhuman territory in that regard. Still, this was an entertaining and unique read.
I highly recommend reading Paul Fulcher's review which provides background on some of the changes from the Korean to English in the translation. Paul also provides links to two excellent interviews with author Gu Byeong-mo (one includes translator Chi-Young Kim) where she discusses the variety of subjects in her novels.
I listened to The Old Woman with the Knife due to its being the Audible Daily Deal on October 11, 2022. The narration performance by Nancy Wu was excellent in all voices.
Trivia and Link
* My lede is inspired by the 4-fold similarly themed Killers of a Certain Age (September 6, 2022) by Deanna Raybourn which seems possibly inspired by the Korean book.
March 16, 2022
A book about an elderly female assassin (or should I say ‘disease control specialist’)! Of course I wanted to read it! I really liked its originality, not only in theme and plot but also for instance in the aliases of the contract killers.
The book is exciting enough but doesn’t read as a thriller at first. The reader learns more about Hornclaw’s history -which is quite sad and lonely- as the story unfolds and whilst she is killing people (which isn’t described in great detail). Only near the end does it become bloody and specific and more like a thriller.
All in all, I had fun reading this and I think it would make a great film. But could someone tell me how a dog that is hardly being walked outside goes to the bathroom…?
Thank you Harper Collins and Edelweiss for the ARC.
The book is exciting enough but doesn’t read as a thriller at first. The reader learns more about Hornclaw’s history -which is quite sad and lonely- as the story unfolds and whilst she is killing people (which isn’t described in great detail). Only near the end does it become bloody and specific and more like a thriller.
All in all, I had fun reading this and I think it would make a great film. But could someone tell me how a dog that is hardly being walked outside goes to the bathroom…?
Thank you Harper Collins and Edelweiss for the ARC.
July 20, 2022
3.5*
The Old Woman with the Knife follows Hornclaw, a 65-year-old female contract killer, als known as a 'disease control specialist' dedicated to get rid of 'vermin and pests' (aka: human garbage). Disease control specialists are mostly retired Koreans that want to go out with a bang or use their time this way to make money. It's thrilling, it's original, and it has a nice cast of characters.
I have been on a reading slump for months and I picked this up 'knowing' I would dislike it. I just assumed it would be one of these 'quirky old ladies doing maybe-criminal things'. Rather than quirkiness, this has a perfect balance between a character study of Hornclaw's story (and you can't help but love her) and a thriller. So, if you liked Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead and have been looking for something similar, I'd suggest this one. I personally tried reading similar books to Olga Tokarczuk's and have been disappointed (i.e., An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good or Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch), so I'm glad I found this one!
It seems this is the first work by Go Byeong-mo translated into English, but I'm hoping we'll see more coming out soon, this was lovely.
The Old Woman with the Knife follows Hornclaw, a 65-year-old female contract killer, als known as a 'disease control specialist' dedicated to get rid of 'vermin and pests' (aka: human garbage). Disease control specialists are mostly retired Koreans that want to go out with a bang or use their time this way to make money. It's thrilling, it's original, and it has a nice cast of characters.
I have been on a reading slump for months and I picked this up 'knowing' I would dislike it. I just assumed it would be one of these 'quirky old ladies doing maybe-criminal things'. Rather than quirkiness, this has a perfect balance between a character study of Hornclaw's story (and you can't help but love her) and a thriller. So, if you liked Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead and have been looking for something similar, I'd suggest this one. I personally tried reading similar books to Olga Tokarczuk's and have been disappointed (i.e., An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good or Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch), so I'm glad I found this one!
It seems this is the first work by Go Byeong-mo translated into English, but I'm hoping we'll see more coming out soon, this was lovely.
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