City of Ash and Red

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For fans of J. G. Ballard and early Ian McEwan, this tense psychological thriller by the author of The Hole is described as “an airtight masterpiece” by the Korean Economic Daily. The nameless protagonist, known for his skills as a rat killer, is sent by his extermination company on a long assignment in C, a country spiraling into chaos, paranoia, and disease. Upon arrival, he is quickly detained by quarantine officials and finds himself isolated, unable to contact the outside world. When he finally reaches an old friend, he learns that his ex-wife's body was discovered in his apartment, making him the prime suspect. As he narrowly escapes arrest, he must navigate the fearful streets of this foreign city while trying to reconnect with his company and friends to clear his name. As his past life slips away and he reflects on his relationship with his wife, it becomes evident that he may not be who he believes he is. This apocalyptic narrative explores the destructive effects of fear and paranoia on individuals, serving as a haunting tale of a man's loss of identity and humanity.