(Reviewed by JD Jung)
I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading The Shy Assassin by Clara Usón, but it completely surprised me. What begins as a curiosity about the mysterious death of Spanish “erotic” actress Sandra Mozarowsky quickly unfolds into something far more layered and introspective.
The novel follows Clara, an ex-lawyer obsessed with Mozarowsky’s 1977 death and probable suicide at just the age of eighteen. Fans of the actress could only see her films in France, as they were banned under the repressive Franco regime. Clara who was close in age to Mozarowsky, reflects on her own past—her family, relationships, love, and the emotional landscape of growing up in Spain during the final years of Franco.
Clara becomes fixated with the concept of suicide and explores and debates the related philosophies of Cesare Pavese, Albert Camus, and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Despite the heavy themes, the writing never feels overwhelming; it’s thoughtful and original.
I wasn’t prepared for the subject matter of this short novel, but I ended up appreciating its quiet complexity. If you’re looking for a literary, thought-provoking read that blends history, philosophy, and personal reflection, The Shy Assassin is a unique and rewarding choice.