Almond

3.5 stars

“This is a story of a monster meeting another monster. One of the monsters is me.”

Almond is a book about Yunjae, a boy who cannot identify, express, or experience emotions due to a condition called Alexithymia, and Gon, a child in conflict with the law - both of whom are called “monsters” by those around them for different reasons.

Narrated in first person by Yunjae, the book starts off with a dark tone that immediately hooks you to the story, and progresses beautifully as Yunjae struggles to understand the complexities of human behaviour and emotions, and how to be “normal” or “ordinary” in a world that doesn't accept someone who is different.

Gon, on the other hand presents a stark contrast to Yunjae, as someone who is emotionally volatile, troubled, and greatly misunderstood by all around him. The budding friendship and conversations between the two are a treat to read.

Although, I absolutely love the concept, I'm conflicted whether I really like this book. Perhaps, the ending was a little too optimistic for my taste. “And I truly believe the heart can prevail over the brain” - um, no, sorry, it cannot. While I understand that the author was probably trying to show that human beings are capable of change and reformation, and that love can change everything, I think the whole point of neurodivergence affecting a person's ability to fit into the neurotypical society gets lost somewhere in all the emotional gushiness. I suppose perspective plays a role here.

All in all, still worth the read!