Almond

Books contribute to the theme of Empathy as Unnecessary for Treating Others With Love. They serve as Yunjae’s bridge to understanding and connecting with others even when other obstacles—like his alexithymia or their prejudice—stand in the way. Books recur throughout the novel as a crucial point of connection not just for Yunjae, but also for his mother and grandmother. The bookstore becomes his only lingering connection to them, and the books within serve as his vehicle for connecting with people after their loss.

Yunjae’s experience of empathy is atypical; some, including him, would argue it does not exist at all. Books prove that he does have his own unique version of empathy, as he states, “I could squeeze myself in [the space between the lines] and sit, or walk, or scribble down my thoughts” (44). While he might not be able to properly express empathy with others, the complexity of writing gives him space to explore his feelings safely. Yunjae’s choice to shut down the bookstore has complex meaning: It expresses his willingness to move on from his own tragedy, while also demonstrating that he no longer relies purely on books to connect with others.

Others use books to reach Yunjae, as well. Professor Yun initiates conversation with Yunjae by buying books, eventually shifting the conversation to his own needs; Gon does much the same, although his insistence on returning the books he buys equally demonstrates that his true interest lies in connecting with Yunjae. Similarly, Dora’s lack of interest in books—leading her to use Yunjae’s conversation about writing his own story as an opportunity to kiss him—demonstrates her ultimate incompatibility with Yunjae’s needs.