Book Club August Review: Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn

For August, I wanted to try something different. Perhaps not as different and out there as Kayleigh's Monsterbait romance from last month, but something with a bit more substance. A bit more meaning. Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn has been on my list for a while, and after reading its blurb for the fifth time, I thought it would be a great choice for our book club.

(Or maybe I'm still chasing the high of Tahi Saihate's Astral Season, Beastly Season...)

Almond is about a teenager called Yunjae and his brain condition that makes him unable to feel emotions, thus impeding his relationships with others. After a shocking event changes his everyday life, he meets troubled Gon and is forced to break out of his routine and step outside his comfort zone.

The Good Stuff

Overall, I really liked this book. From the beginning, and despite Yunjae's detached voice, you root for the protagonist. He experiences a tragic event at a young age, so you can't help but wish that things will get better for him. The contrast between his disengaged descriptions and the heartbreaking events happening in his life add to the reading experience as we feel sympathy towards the protagonist and his inability to feel emotions. I think the author conveyed it really well

I also enjoyed her portrayal of Gon. If you are in any way familiar with South Korean news, you will know that bullying poses a massive problem in South Korean schools. It's more common and brutal than what you might find in England. I think Almond succeeds in showing the complex emotions and behaviour of a struggling teenager without relying on stereotypes.

The Not So Good Stuff

Even though I did quite enjoy the book, not much really happens after the inciting event at the beginning. Well, things do happen, but I suppose they are a bit more anticlimactic after the initial catalyst. That doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. The plot was somewhat 'middle of the road' for me, but the characters and their relationships made up for it.

Rating

CY - I really liked it, so I give it a 4/5. I would recommend it to those who enjoy slow burns.

Kay - It was a clever and refreshing take, as the author manages to make Yunjae interesting and likeable despite his inability to feel and express emotions. 4/5.

After reading our review, would you consider picking up this book?

If you've already read it, what are your thoughts on the relationship between Yunjae and Gon?