A review by clavishorti
The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

As I first flipped through the pages of The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo, translated into English by Kim Chi-Young, a surge of awe swept through me. Amidst the rows of pages beckoning to be explored, lay a premise so captivating: the tale of an elderly female assassin with a cold heart in Korea, nearing the twilight of her career. My mind raced with possibilities and intrigues that could unfold within these pages. “Woah,” I whispered to myself in utter admiration, “this story concept is truly riveting.” 
 
However, as I delved into the storyline, I quickly realized that adjustments were needed. It felt like navigating through uncharted territory, where the plot seemed hazy and directionless. The narrative presented felt somewhat lackluster, demanding an ample amount of time to truly forge a connection with the story. It was akin to sailing through murky waters, where the characters felt completely devoid of dimension and lacked depth. It proved challenging for me to genuinely engage with them, as if they were mere fleeting shadows drifting through the pages of the book. 
 
What’s more confounding, the primary conflict in this story appeared to resolve swiftly and without leaving a significant impact. As a reader expecting tension and build-up in a thriller-action narrative, I felt somewhat disappointed with how the book failed to fully embody the essence of its genre. I yearned for more spine-tingling moments and heart-pounding plot twists, yet they seemed inadequately served within these pages. Throughout the story, I searched for solid ground but found myself lost amidst confusion. I hoped to find a glimmer of light at the end of the narrative tunnel, yet even then, I remained adrift in a storyline that felt perplexing and unsatisfying. 
 
Moreover, as I read about the relationship between the main character, Hornclaw, and her dog, a sense of discomfort crept into my mind. Although Hornclaw acknowledged her neglect of her pet, the empathy I felt towards the animal, abandoned for so long and left unfed, only intensified. Imagine the plight of the dog, faithfully waiting for its owner but receiving minimal attention, even to the point of starvation. It not only violated humane norms but also disturbed the conscience of the reader. 
 
Hornclaw’s indifference towards the welfare of her pet raised serious questions in my mind. Was this merely a reflection of the cold and unfeeling nature of an assassin, or was there something deeper that the author wished to convey? I pondered whether Hornclaw was intended to be portrayed as a psychopath lacking empathy towards other living beings. These questions lingered in my mind, adding a layer of emotional complexity to my reading experience. 
 
However, amidst the disappointment that shrouded this reading journey, there was one part of the story that managed to capture my attention strongly. It was when the author delved into the depths of Hornclaw’s character, taking us through her formative years to the person we encounter in this story. I felt like I was uncovering a hidden treasure trove as I traversed each page recounting Hornclaw’s journey from childhood to adulthood. 
 
In this section, the author seemed to find greater freedom in storytelling. The narrative became more vivid, colorful, and followed a clearer direction. Details about Hornclaw’s background were told with meticulous depth, providing a more tangible portrayal of who she truly is behind the cold facade of an assassin. 
 
Every moment of Hornclaw’s childhood, every obstacle she faced on her journey to adulthood, resonated strongly within this narrative. From past traumas to her relationships with loved ones, each element added new dimensions to Hornclaw’s character, making her feel more human and complex. This not only provided a deeper understanding of Hornclaw as an individual but also gave me hope that the story would take a turn and become even more compelling. 
 
Nonetheless, despite my efforts to re-immerse myself in the initial storyline, I still found it challenging to fully enjoy The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo. Even as the story approached its conclusion, a sense of dissatisfaction lingered in my mind. It wasn’t easy to determine whether the lack of appeal in this narrative stemmed from a writing style that didn’t align with my taste or from a translation that may not have fully preserved the essence of the original story. However, in all respects, this book fell short of meeting my personal expectations. Additionally, I also recognize that readers’ tastes and preferences are highly subjective, and The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo may well be a favorite for others. This serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating the diversity of reading preferences and providing space for each work to find its place in the hearts of readers. 
 
 
“Not just because you’re a dog. It’s the same with people. They think that an old person can’t live the rest of her life with her mind intact, that an old person gets sick easily and spreads disease, and that nobody will take care of the elderly. That’s what they think about all living things.” 
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