Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

 Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum (trans. Shanna Tan), 312 pages

Yeongju is beyond burnt out by her high-pressure job and high-stress life, so she leaves it all behind to create the bookstore of her childhood dreams. Hyunam-Dong Bookshop isn't very flashy, just a simple neighborhood bookstore, with coffee and books to suit the owners tastes. But gradually, many other local residents come and start to find the same peace in the bookshop that Yeongju does.

This is the type of sort-of cozy book with no real plot to speak of. I occasionally found it a little slow and dry, but I also found it pretty relaxing. Virtually every character is dealing with a fairly similar burnout issue, which both allows the author to examine the problem from many angles, but also implies a broader social commentary on the work culture of South Korea. Ultimately this is a relaxed, thoughtful book about what makes up a life well-lived. I'm not sure I would recommend this book for everyone, but I'm sure there are many people who will enjoy it, especially going into the dark and reflective portion of the year.  

The Old Woman with the Knife

 

The Old Woman with the Knife by Pyong-mo Ku 280 pp. translated by Chi-Young Kim

Hornclaw is sixty-five years old and coming to the end of her career as a hired assassin for the company started by her and a former business partner. She is slowing down and facing retirement when she will cash out her share of the business. But she is not ready to leave her lifelong career just yet. For decades she has been a ruthlessly efficient killer, dispatching her targets swiftly and avoiding any personal entanglements with them. Now there is a young assassin working for the company who has it in for Hornclaw and she doesn't know why. He seems determined to drive her out of the business. When Hornclaw makes a mistake and is injured, it brings into contact with a young doctor and his extended family. Soon all of them are in danger. This unusual story is fast moving and I found myself sympathizing with the main character in spite of her profession. We women of a certain age have to stick together I guess.