Did not read the original, as I do not know Korean, but was lucky enough to read the translation a shawol started a year ago and just recently completed on Jonghyun's birthday (here is the link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14618484/chapters/33784149). It's such a beautiful piece of work. I wept while reading almost every chapter. Getting to know him so closely, his way of thinking, his attention to details...just like he said in the author's note, this little novel is merely a way of presenting his songs and tying them together in a very humane and realistic story about love and loss. Thank you so much to the person who translated this, while I know that translations aren't the same as the original, he/she sure did a splendid job, and probably one that was emotionally draining as well. I, clearly, kind of feel emotionally drained right now. Maybe, one day, I will be able to read the original, but until then, I am more than pleased with what I read over the course of the last few months. Thank you for bringing Jonghyun closer to us. And Jonghyun, thank you so much for writing this and sharing a piece of that beautiful soul of yours. To me, you will never, ever be forgotten.

I'm not a fan of Kpop, so when I first got this book, I had no idea who Jonghyun was. I had heard of Shinee, but I didn't know any of their music. I bought this book because it had good reviews on every website I could find. After reading it, my unbiased opinion is that the reviews are not at all exaggerated.

This book is a great idea and perfectly executed. It's fictional stories based on the songs he wrote. Apparently the four characters are supposed to be different aspects of his personality/image. The pictures were taken by Jonghyun himself, which allows us to literally see the world from his perspective.

Part of me wishes Skeleton Flower would be translated into English for everyone who doesn't speak Korean, but I think a part of its charm would be lost. For example, there's a page that just has the lyrics of "Maybe Tomorrow" written out. On the next page, there are three pictures of the sky with the words "괜찮아" written three times. 괜찮아 can be translated as "I'm okay," "You're okay," "It's okay," "They're okay," etc, depending on the context. That allows the reader to add their own meaning to the story in a small way. In English, a pronoun has to be attached. Even if you say, "Okay," that has its own separate meaning. So, the translator would have to decide for themselves what context to give that phrase. That's just one example, and an admittedly poor one at that, but there are plenty more throughout the book. This seems like a crazy suggestion, but I would encourage you to learn Korean, even if only to read this book.

From the little amount I know about him now, it seems like Jonghyun desperately wanted to be understood. It's obvious, even for a casual fan, that he poured his heart and soul into everything he did. This book is no different. After reading it, I looked him up, excited to have a new writer/singer to follow, only to find out what happened to him. Absolutely devastating loss of a genius well before his time.

This is not the typical novel, Jonghyun himself says it on the end notes, and it also won't be the best novel you'll ever read, because simply, it is not. Jonghyun's not a novel writer, he's a songwriter, and this book, this story, even if it took the form of a novel it felt like an extension to his songs and his poems, and that's what is beautiful about it. Every single chapter its titled after one of his songs, and if you know them and their meaning you can easily notice how the chapter hardly relates to the lyrics of the song. It's also made obvious, at least for a Jonghyun fan, that this was entirely Jonghyun's work. The story and the writing have the same delicacy he always offers, and I felt like I got to know him a little bit better, in some way, which I will always be grateful for.

I also recommend listening to the song which the chapter is titled after, after you finish the chapter. With subtitles on if you're one of those people, who like me, can't speak Korean.

5/5, it is a sad but beautiful story, but most importantly, we can see a beautiful writing and feel more connected to Jonghyun, it was a beautiful read.

Thank you for this, my angel.

jonghyun's sister read the second chapter of this book during today's shiny festival so i kind of impulsively reread the book bc i was moved. i enjoyed the book and during this rr i noticed how jjong used titles of the songs he wrote as chapter titles and i just thought it was cool. also!! one of the reasons i loved this boom is how comforting his words are. ilysm jjong!!!!

check out jjong's music!!!! https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rGgflnIpRNizTCozbYBuY?si=CcXsD2tfS7uEG9r6zv6QUw&utm_source=copy-link

No tengo palabras para explicar esta obra maestra. Había escuchado que este libro no era más que un pobre intento de otro cantante tratando de ser escritor, así que lo leí con bajas espectativas pero con mucho amor porque Kim Jonghyun es de las personas a las que más amo en esta vida. Pero no me fue necesario leer más de una página para saber que este libro iba a ser hermoso. Aunque sé que se pierde muchísimo en las traducciones, creo que la escencia no llegó a desaparecer. Este hombre es un poeta, un artista y un valioso ser humano. Y cada palabra traspasaba mi corazón de más de mil maneras. La historia es bastante simple, un chico y una chica que deciden terminar su relación. Pero la preciosa y dolorosa manera en la que fue escrito fue lo que me impactó por completo. Estoy segura de que leeré este libro muchas veces más. Cinco estrellas sin duda alguna :)

I read an english translation on ao3 after having found the link on twitter. I believe several people shared the link in the reviews but feel free to hit me up for it. I also downloaded it as an epub so I can keep it for future read in case the translation is ever deleted.
This was quite an emotional read. I think it's very hard to put to words everything about this book because of all the emotions that I got reading it.
It's a beautiful story and I loved the writing. It talks of feelings, of changing and growing, of pain and love. It reminded me of his talks on blue night. So full of care and love, so gentle and coming to ease the pain in a way.
I think I cried the whole time I was reading.
To anyone doubting if they can read it, I would recommend to give it a try. It may be too hard but it might soothe some of your pain. It might give you something new from Jonghyun.
To our precious boy, you did well. I hope you can rest now. I will hold this dear to my heart.

I read a fan translation of this book (my beneath-kindergarten level korean made reading the actual book in its original language impossible, unfortunately) after realizing that one of the best lyricists and singers in the world was also a novelist. kim jonghyun is one of my favourite people, and someone who - despite the fact that I only learned about who he was as a person after his passing - I connect with and empathize with on a strange and familiar level. through his interviews, his lyrics, and now his book, I've realized what a sensitive and beautiful person he was, and still is in his art (and i say 'beautiful' not on the shallow basis of his looks - everything about his way of looking at life and people is so beautiful to me.)

I was very sad after reading the translation - I would've spent forever reading any of his other books, had he published any more - but at the same time, I'm immensely happy and grateful that he was able to show the world at least a fraction of the world inside of him. I hope he knows how big of an impact he has on his fans and even on those who aren't familiar with shinee. he lives on in our memories, and in his art. the beauty he put into this world is so precious, and still encourages and comforts people today. (and I will end here before I start crying again rip)