Finding Meaning in Almond: A Story of Emotion and Humanity
Published February 22, 2025
Books have a way of making us pause, reflect, and even question aspects of our own lives. Some stories entertain, some educate, and then there are those rare ones that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. Almond by Sohn Won-pyung is one such novel.
It’s a beautifully written yet deeply unsettling book that forces us to rethink the way we perceive emotions, pain, and the human experience.
Almond and the Absence of Emotion
At the heart of Almond is Yunjae, a boy born with a brain condition called alexithymia, which prevents him from feeling emotions.
Fear, sadness, love, joy—none of these register in him the way they do for most people. In a world where emotions drive human connections, Yunjae’s inability to feel creates an almost surreal existence.
Yet, his emotional detachment does not make his life easier. If anything, it isolates him, making his interactions with the world complex and sometimes even dangerous. The book poses a compelling question: If we could avoid all pain and suffering, would we trade away the ability to feel love and happiness too?
The Philosophical Dilemma: Can Happiness Exist Without Pain?
One of the most profound aspects of Almond is the way it subtly forces readers to confront an age-old philosophical dilemma—can we truly appreciate happiness without experiencing pain? If you never felt sorrow, would you even recognize joy? It’s a concept that resonates deeply, especially in moments when life feels overwhelming.
Yunjae’s condition protects him from grief, but it also prevents him from experiencing love in its purest form. He doesn’t mourn when tragedy strikes because his brain won’t allow him to. But is that truly living? Would we be willing to trade away our pain if it meant giving up love as well?
This is where the novel intersects beautifully with real life. So many of us wish to avoid suffering. We say things like, “I wish I didn’t have to feel this pain,” or “I wish I didn’t have to go through this.” But Almond gently reminds us that pain is an integral part of what makes us human. It teaches us, shapes us, and, in many ways, deepens our capacity for joy. As RM from BTS once said, “You can’t have the joy without the sadness.”
Amigdala and the Connection to Almond
For fans of BTS, Almond takes on an even deeper meaning when linked to SUGA’s song Amigdala. The amygdala is the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, and in Almond, Yunjae’s underdeveloped amygdala is the reason he cannot feel. Some fans have speculated that Almond might have influenced SUGA’s song, which delves into themes of trauma, loss, and emotional struggle.
Whether or not that’s true, both the book and the song explore the impact of emotions—or the lack thereof—on human existence.
Why Almond is a Must-Read
Beyond its philosophical musings, Almond is simply a beautifully crafted novel. It’s an easy read, yet it carries profound weight. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause after finishing a chapter, staring into space, contemplating its deeper meanings. The writing is simple, yet powerful, and the story is one that stays with you.
If you’re looking for a book that challenges the way you think about emotions, empathy, and the human experience, Almond is a perfect choice. And if you’re part of my Patreon community, you already know that I regularly share books like this, ones that make us think and feel in ways we might not have before.
A Final Question: Would You Trade Emotion for Peace?
As you reflect on Almond, ask yourself: If it meant never experiencing pain, sadness, or heartbreak, would you be willing to give up the ability to feel love, joy, and happiness?
It’s a question without a simple answer, but it’s one worth pondering.
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