A review by sashasgarden
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Almond is a beautiful tale with a variety of characters, as well as two opposing mains — one presented as the one who cares too little, while the other one cares too much. 

They learn from each other to see the world with different eyes, and as the story progresses it is easy for the reader to get invested in their peculiar relationship. 

One thing I didn't like much is the one detail I would criticize in the general use of characters and their development:
the love interest, Dora, is merely there to create some drama, and doesn't seem to have lots of personality traits other than 'being nice'.


While I understand her relevance to the story, and her use in helping the main character develop just a bit, I simply don't like characters being used as a tool to progress the plot without them being given any qualities or other aspects to their personality.


Other than that, the characterization of every other person in the story feels realistic and believable, and makes for a truly pleasant read. 

The family members play an important role in the characters' lives, and although they don't always directly appear in the plot, their presence is very much felt in the most emotional parts of the book, through the main characters. 

Wonderfully written, and will definitely read again soon, once I emotionally recover from this experience. 
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