A Literary Assassin

The Plotters - Un-Su Kim

The Plotters by Un-su Kim (trans. from Korean by Sura Kim-Russell) is surprisingly lyrical and philosophical for a book about a group of assassins. With references to Roman and Greek mythology, Homer and the Bible, the book invites deeper reflection than most would expect from a modern thriller.  From the age of four, Reseng has been surrounded by an underground group of assassins and hired guns and now is one of the best in the profession.  He was adopted by a man he calls Old Raccoon, a librarian who also happens to coordinate the cabal out of his virtually abandoned library.  Old Raccoon does not encourage Reseng’s love of reading, however and warns that it will “doom you to a life of fear and shame.” Regardless, Reseng devotes his childhood to teaching himself how to read and vicariously learns many life lessons in this way.  The book opens with an assignment that demonstrates Reseng’s ethical code and respect for others combined with a resigned ruthlessness that allows him to complete his mission.  The reader gains a greater understanding of Reseng as he recalls one time when he had a chance to adopt a normal life. He describes how his loyalty has been repeatedly tested in a world where trust is treacherous, and competition is a game of extreme elimination.  When he himself becomes a target, Reseng needs to discover who has put him on the kill list and must use his connections to uncover the motives of those who plot against him. The Plotters is a rewarding book, fascinating for its glimpse into a political system that is mysterious and reflective of a country that is perpetually in a state of vigilance. Un-su Kim deftly creates characters that encourage respect and admiration despite their misdeeds and portrays how a the greatest human vulnerability can be caring about others.

 

Thanks to Doubleday and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.