I realized very quickly into this read that I signed myself up for some pain. The book really explores how parental abuse can shape not only you as a person, but also your habits and relationships in your adult life. Runch is a character who was controlled throughout childhood by a very narcissistic and self centered mother, but Runch still admired her and aspired to be everything her mother wanted her to be—even at the cost of her own happiness. I found it easy to make fun of Runch until I began to empathize and even realized that I saw bits of myself in her. She’s constantly ridiculed at her job, her best friend lives half the world away, and her mother—who she always looked up to—is abusing both her and her wife which has caused her marriage to crumble in less than 2 years. She’s quiet and introverted by nature, so she is truly and utterly alone and isolated. She really has quite the lonely existence. The conflicts with Gingkamol only highlight Runch’s own lack of growth and inner conflicts which ultimately are the downfall of the marriage. She’s constantly blaming herself and surrounded by pressure on all sides, all the while enduring her mother’s horrible behavior and her coworker’s harassment. Neen on the other hand, has taken the brunt of the abusive behavior even since they were only dating. She looked to Runch for protection, but was constantly put in danger until she snapped back. Then once she snapped, she was the one always scolded and then asked for a divorce. Even as they begin to try and mend the marriage, that wound isn’t something easy to fix.
Watching this couple try to maneuver through life and salvage the pieces of what’s left of this crumbling marriage was both comforting and painful to read. It manages to embed a sense of dread in you while also somehow cultivating hope for Runch and Neen to ultimately work things out again because above all else, they are clearly always in love with each other. They are constantly looking out for each other in little ways, both put in true effort to change, and they always end up making up in bed as well. But what happens when you realize that love isn’t enough to save a marriage? How do you navigate healing when the source of the trauma is still in your life? What exactly is the breaking point when you realize that doing your best isn’t good enough? In Love Forever made me ask myself these questions frequently and if I can be honest, I’m not sure that there is a right answer to them. The answers are something we have to watch the characters find for themselves, and I have to say that I loved the answers they found in the end.
This was an insightful read that was painful because it was so grounded and realistic. This kind of thing is something that tears couples and families apart every day and that’s what makes it so painful. You can see the love they have for each other, but love isn’t enough to sustain someone’s health and happiness in a marriage. I was always highlighting something like my life depended on it or almost like the pages I had just turned would disappear as the relationship deteriorated. Not many books can get me that invested. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it to anyone.
I have to admit, Peeracha can be a bit annoying about her mother-in-law, but if you think about it, she’s right about everything she did. Runchee’s actions are understandable too. It’s nice to see them sort things out in the end.
I read it in English and actually liked it. It remind me a lot about how relationships cannot survive only on love. Communication and compromise is also a part of any relationship. Overall really enjoyed the book.
I hate her mother so bad I want to throw my phone off the wall 🤣. Really love the character development of Ranchan throughout this novel. A very good read, it had me smilling and blushing too. A good read! Thank you for the english translation!