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A review by jessicamusch
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The tragic tale of Yunjae (Almond), a boy with Alexithymia, the inability to identify and express emotions. When Almond’s mother and grandmother are shockingly attacked, Almond’s life changes forever.
This is an excellent read. Fast paced, full of heart and the universal experience of youth. Although this is a sad story, hope is the shining key theme.
The narrative voice of Almond, detached and slightly dejected, is juxtaposed with the extreme expressions of emotions by other characters, in particular his friend Gon. This is extremely effective in drawing out the subtle character development over the course of the book.
The translation is excellent. The translator has taken liberties to make phrases feel natural to an English speaking audience.
I find the portals of Korean society to be quite realistic, but query whether a western audience would find some aspects of the story relatable. For example, when Almond sees a middle schooler viciously beaten and runs to tell a local shopkeeper, the shopkeeper doesn’t have a strong reaction. Later, when the shopkeeper finds out the identity of the middle schooler, he blames Almond for not conveying the urgency of the situation. While I think the behaviour of the shopkeeper is certainly not common in Korea and is an extreme example, as a “mind your own business” mindset is strong in Korean society, I found this character compelling.
I feel like this is a book I will revisit again and again.
"If you close your eyes first, you lose. I always won these kinds of games. Other people struggled to keep their eyes open, when I just didn't know how to close my eyes in the first place."
This is an excellent read. Fast paced, full of heart and the universal experience of youth. Although this is a sad story, hope is the shining key theme.
The narrative voice of Almond, detached and slightly dejected, is juxtaposed with the extreme expressions of emotions by other characters, in particular his friend Gon. This is extremely effective in drawing out the subtle character development over the course of the book.
The translation is excellent. The translator has taken liberties to make phrases feel natural to an English speaking audience.
I find the portals of Korean society to be quite realistic, but query whether a western audience would find some aspects of the story relatable. For example, when Almond sees a middle schooler viciously beaten and runs to tell a local shopkeeper, the shopkeeper doesn’t have a strong reaction. Later, when the shopkeeper finds out the identity of the middle schooler, he blames Almond for not conveying the urgency of the situation. While I think the behaviour of the shopkeeper is certainly not common in Korea and is an extreme example, as a “mind your own business” mindset is strong in Korean society, I found this character compelling.
I feel like this is a book I will revisit again and again.
"If you close your eyes first, you lose. I always won these kinds of games. Other people struggled to keep their eyes open, when I just didn't know how to close my eyes in the first place."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Violence