A review by rainee_deverell
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I really liked this book, the themes and the writing/translation were digestible but poignant. I particularly enjoyed the main characters growing self-analysis and acceptance of his “flaws”. Acceptance, rather than overcoming. And that this concept (presented within such a specific context) was very relatable and came at the right time for me to hear it. Further, I liked how the end didn’t finish as so many books do, with a “monster overcomes his flaws and life is perfect after this” message. Finally I may be reading too much into this, but the concept of nature versus nurture was explored extremely well in relation to this concept of flaws and how we learn to live with or become victim to them (in this case, the main characters difficulties and the acceptance and support of his home environment, versus the character Gon and his own experience in an unsupported environment). I really enjoyed this book, and what it left me thinking about afterwards.