Areum is glad he got to turn sixteen. Despite his physical challenges, Areum possesses a vibrant spirit and an unquenchable curiosity about the world around him. Maybe it takes the knowledge that you aren’t going to live long to truly love life. And I believe that was the case with Areum as well. Because he was a 16-year-old with the body of an 80-year-old.

Born to teenage parents, Areum’s condition (progeria) was diagnosed when he was two. That’s the only life he’s known—a life where he’s always been frail. With no friends, his exhausted parents and friendly neighbour, Little Grandpa Jang, are his only sources of socializing and entertainment. Well, apart from his rusty laptop that he got as a birthday gift; the only kind his parents could afford. After all, he’s a master of words. He loves to read and write and is on a mission to finish a story before the inevitable happens.

This novella snuck up on me. It made its way to my heart when I least expected it. I had an idea of how the book would end, but Areum’s observations and his journey brought tears to my eyes. Kim Ae-ran is certainly a master of her craft, as her writing is tender and thought-provoking. Moreover, Chi-Young Kim has done a fantastic job of translating this book; the flow is beautiful.
Its lyrical prose got to me and how; I was holding back sobs. I learnt a lot from Areum; he was wise beyond his years. I’m sure you, too, can learn a thing or two about life and courage from him.

Areum’s short life was brilliant, and so was this book!