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A review by girlglitch
The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong -Mo
3.0
There are some nice bits of social commentary in The Old Woman with the Knife, with smart observations about ageing and class. It's a refreshing take on the genre, following the story of an older assassin approaching the end of her career and all the issues - both dramatic and mundane - that this presents.
But as a thriller, ultimately it falls a little flat. The plot is underwhelming, and the prose is so understated that even the most dramatic action sequences lack tension. Despite unravelling her backstory, Hornclaw lacks nuance as a character: she is so steely it is difficult to feel any sympathy towards her.
The Old Woman with the Knife is an interesting addition to the thriller genre, but it needs a bit more of a kick to land a real impact.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
But as a thriller, ultimately it falls a little flat. The plot is underwhelming, and the prose is so understated that even the most dramatic action sequences lack tension. Despite unravelling her backstory, Hornclaw lacks nuance as a character: she is so steely it is difficult to feel any sympathy towards her.
The Old Woman with the Knife is an interesting addition to the thriller genre, but it needs a bit more of a kick to land a real impact.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*