prolog
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Epilogue
Special Supplement - Short Story Side Story "The Man in the Box"

Appreciation points

In Yunjae's monologue, which leads the story in a calm, emotionless tone, the reader feels the myriad emotions that Yunjae must feel.
The weight and mystery of emotions, the pain and wonder of growing up, and other things overwhelm the reader in the narrative, and the reader comes to understand and look upon Yunjae and Gon, two boys who would be just problem children and whom one would want to avoid in reality.
Through the story of Yunjae, who grows up accepting the world as it is with a pure and unbiased perspective, more than anyone else because he has no emotions, readers will be moved by the spectrum of bittersweet emotions.

Design direction

Since its first publication in 2017, "Almond" has been a steady seller, surpassing its bestseller status.
The first principle we took into account when designing the new cover was to differentiate all elements, from the cover to the text design, from existing books.
As the book appeals to both young adult and adult readers, the covers for the young adult and adult editions were published in two completely different versions.
Above all, I wanted to stimulate new imagination by presenting two back views to readers who have been familiar with Yunjae's frontal face for a long time.

At first glance, the youth version appears to be the back of a lonely boy immersed in darkness.
However, through the soft light scattered here and there, I wanted to express the boy's gradually awakening emotions and the hope conveyed by the story.
The design of the interior is also designed with a generous font size and a comfortable feel, targeting young readers.

On the other hand, the adult version used illustrations from the Spanish version of 『Almond』 to express the intense feelings in the novel.
The font size of the adult version is slightly smaller than that of the youth version, and the design of the pages is simple and free of formulas.
Through two different covers and designs, readers will be able to experience the new charm of 『Almond』 in different ways.


Special Appendix - Short Story Side Story
The Man in the Box

The short story "The Man in the Box" included at the end of the book is the story of a man who watched the tragic event that occurred on the day that Yunjae, the main character of "Almond," suffered from afar.
Here is a man who has decided never to reach out to anyone.
Because of his brother's life of long-term misfortune caused by a momentary act of kindness, the man lives in a tightly closed world, determined not to help anyone or receive help.
But on Christmas Eve, after witnessing the tragedy of a boy, the man's life begins to change.
This short story, which reconstructs the intense events of "Almond" from the perspective of a new character, will present readers with new questions and allow them to enjoy the story from multiple perspectives.


Praise from readers and media outlets around the world

I read it feeling a thousand different emotions on behalf of the protagonist who cannot feel emotions.

The weight and preciousness of the emotions were too burdensome and painful.
-Reader Reviews

It felt amazing that I, who had only ever watched videos, could laugh and cry while reading text.
A book that taught me the joy of reading.
The book of my life.
-Reader Reviews

I felt like I was the main character, and I cried as I looked at the world the main character saw.
- From the comments of the youth judges for the 10th Changbi Youth Literature Award

A powerful and moving story! A wonderful book that will captivate readers of all ages.
-The Wall Street Journal

A masterpiece of world literature that transcends Asia.
A work loved by all generations.
-Japan Bookstore Award

A book that will resonate with and touch the protagonist, not just adults but also struggling adolescent readers! - Kirkus Reviews

This novel will make you laugh, cringe, hold your breath in anticipation, and cry.
I can't put the book down.
-Amazon Book Review

Author's Note

Every day, children are born.
They are blessed children with all possibilities open to them.
But some of them become social outcasts, while others become twisted people who rule and command.
Although rare, there are cases where people overcome given circumstances and grow into inspiring people.
I came to think that love is what makes humans human and what makes them monsters.
I wanted to tell that story.

I hope this novel will help reach out to those who have been hurt, especially children whose possibilities are still open.
It's a big wind, but I still look forward to it.
Children crave love, but at the same time, they are the ones who give the most love.
You may have been like that at one time too.

Spring 2017, Son Won-pyeong

It is impossible to fully empathize with another person's feelings.
Whenever I'm asked what true empathy looks like, I give the same answer, and I elaborate.
In order for emotions to be used properly, the function of reason must come first, and the use of reason and emotions at the appropriate temperature is only possible through the tool of education.
The way Yunjae, who was unable to feel emotions, came to understand the world and learn emotions may reflect my thoughts.

But somehow, as time goes by, our reason seems to freeze cold and our emotions seem to boil over.
Reason puts up a fence where emotions should be used, and emotions surge in like waves where reason should be used.
As reason and emotion confront each other as incompatible values, the keywords “lack of empathy” and “excessive emotion” are too easily thrown around.
Aren't the unfortunate events and misunderstandings that occur in the world, the accusations of evil or the quick judgments that lead to people being judged as evil, often stemming from the confusion and misuse of reason and emotion?


July 2023, Son Won-pyeong