54 pages • 1 hour read
Almond
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Book Brief
259
Novel • Fiction
Seoul, South Korea • Contemporary
2017
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn, translated by Sandy Joosun Lee, follows Yunjae, a boy with alexithymia who struggles to understand his emotions, particularly after a violent birthday attack leaves his mother comatose and his grandmother dead. As Yunjae navigates high school isolation and builds unexpected friendships, he slowly learns to connect with others, discover empathy, and confront his traumatic past. Contains graphic depictions of violence, trauma, bullying, and grief.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
136,394 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn, translated by Joosun Lee, is praised for its poignant storytelling and exploration of emotional growth. Readers appreciate the character development and thematic depth. Criticisms include occasional slow pacing and predictability. Overall, the novel offers a compelling, heartfelt narrative that resonates with many despite minor flaws.
Who Should Read Almond?
A reader who would enjoy Almond by Won-pyung Sohn, translated by Joosun Lee, is one who appreciates character-driven stories exploring emotional growth and social belonging. Fans of Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time or R.J. Palacio’s Wonder would find similar themes of empathy and overcoming personal challenges appealing.
136,394 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gon
Gon
Yunjae’s best friend and foil, who is depicted as emotionally volatile and full of empathy. His rough exterior hides a longing for genuine connection and love.
Dora
Dora
Yunjae’s romantic interest, characterized by her passion for running and her ability to enjoy solitude. Her development with Yunjae parallels themes of change and growth.
Mom
Mom
Yunjae’s mother, who tries to make Yunjae mask his neurodivergence due to societal expectations. Her relationship with Yunjae is rooted in her desire for them to live a "normal" life.
Granny
Granny
Yunjae’s grandmother, characterized by her physical and emotional strength. Her relationship with Yunjae plays a crucial role in his emotional development.
Dr. Shim
Dr. Shim
A kind and understanding figure who supports Yunjae after Granny's death and Mom’s hospitalization. His personal losses mirror Yunjae’s experiences, aiding Yunjae’s growth.
259
Novel • Fiction
Seoul, South Korea • Contemporary
2017
YA
14-18 years
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