- Overview
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This is a novel by Cheon Myeongkwan, Korea's best storyteller, who previously showed the power of weighty narration through a man inheriting an adverse life in the turbulent Korean society. This time, he has written a black comedy about the commotion of backstreet gangs.
- Book Intro
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Ultra, a young bum who dreams of being an official member of a gang, goes on an errand to take care of a horse for his boss, who invested in a private racing horse. By chance, he steals a stallion and secretly keeps it. But the stallion turns out to be worth 3.5 billion won! Scared, Ultra runs away with the stallion. Meanwhile, mobs from various parts of the country converge on President Yang, boss of the Incheon Yeonan gang, trying to get their hands on smuggled diamonds. The climax nears with the gathering of bosses from major old gangs, such as Chairman Sohn of Busan and Chairman Nam of Yeongam, as well as small-time gangsters who got wind of what was happening. Who will get their hands on the diamonds in the end? Can Ultra escape safely with the 3.5 billion won stallion? A crowd of low lives, including bums, gangsters, third-rate porn directors, professional designated drivers, swindlers, and masseuses, start a gamble at the risk of their lives.
A great number of characters appear in this novel, even though it isn't a long narrative. Nevertheless, they all move toward the same target in groups, like the intricately woven scenario of a caper movie. Of course, trust and negotiation are not a part of it. There can only be one true winner. Cheon Myeongkwan's story unfolds dizzily through many twists and turns, just like a roller coaster.
- About the Author
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Cheon Myeongkwan
Cheon Myeongkwan (M) was born in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, in 1964. He started writing full-time after his novel Frank and I received the Munhakdongne Rookie Award in 2003. His full-length novel, Whale, won the Munhakdongne Novel Award in 2004. His other books include Marisa, the Cheerful Maid; and A Laborer Running with a Turkey and the full-length novels The Graying Family; and My Uncle, Bruce Lee 1 and 2.