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Brother
Xu Ping's brother is a retard.
But this stupid brother only has eyes for his older brother.
[許平的弟弟是個白痴。
這個痴傻的弟弟眼睛裡卻只有哥哥一個人。]
Back cover blurb (published):
Love suffers long and is kind;
Love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,
Is not provoked, thinks no evil;
Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
(Not credited but is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
*English translation by fans
But this stupid brother only has eyes for his older brother.
[許平的弟弟是個白痴。
這個痴傻的弟弟眼睛裡卻只有哥哥一個人。]
Back cover blurb (published):
Love suffers long and is kind;
Love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,
Is not provoked, thinks no evil;
Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
(Not credited but is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
*English translation by fans
83 pages, Unknown Binding
8 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 10, 2025
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
It was a beautiful story; it could have not been. 🩵🩵 A story featuring a 🚫taboo relationship between two brothers🚫 --- please, just hear me out of why it moved me so. ✋🏻 Maybe it was the expressive translation or the ability for the author to portray the brotherly love as something so pure and precious, yet tragic, you could almost forget they were related for how sincere and heartfelt the love between Xu Ping and Xu Zheng was. 🫶🏻
“Why would he love his brother? What hatred must destiny have harboured to curse him with this twisted and perverse romance?”
Xu Ping does not have it easy caring for his younger autistic with a mild deficiency Brother; it's challenging and stressful to his health and school life. It takes a decisive turn that after Xu Ping is so frustratingly fed up with how Xu Zheng's limited capacity has basically destroyed his life, hurtful words are dealt. 😥 It leads to a traumatic experience for his younger brother, which leaves Xu Ping with such a guilty and remorseful conscience, that he vows henceforth to devote himself to looking after him and 'would use his everything to give his brother a happy life. He would do anything it took even if that meant giving up his own.' 🥺
Xu Ping's complicated feelings of his conflicted emotions concerning his younger brother when he sees the slight steps of which he is himself unaware and unsure of why he's so drawn to his older brother is what make it such an unconventional love story. 💟 It is one not driven by lust for committing a sin, when he's so very desperate to quench that which he had thirsted for but which he had never obtained – knowing the implications and ramifications of it, but is powerless if not helpless, to the affection of Xu Zheng - 'but this stupid brother only has eyes for his older brother', who still yearns with a tangible, inexpressible want. 😟
“A thousand heroes could not compare to that stupid brother of his.”
Xu Ping truly was a good person - it may not have shown - but he made you care how he struggled to put his emotions at bay, faithful and trusting and considerate towards others at the most inopportune times. Almost a sign of weakness for which, sadly, he did pay the price for, but still dealt with his anguished woes with a strong sense of courage and kindness during the three significant stages of their lives in which we meet them. 😞
The Chinese political upheavals inadvertently influence their relationship too, creating this undertone of defiance if not dependence that results in an almost-tragedy. One that compels them to act upon their affections but still not have it feel tainted or advantageous for how haunting the events around them were. For only in a matter of desperation, if not absolute guarantee that it was his final stance, does Xu Ping act upon those repressed urges, despite his persistent troubled thoughts. Something so unexpected and not all foreseen, but yet cathartic... in the most unprecedented fashion. 💔💔
“I’ll be with you forever as long as you still need me.”
I did not exactly fault Xu Ping's decision; it was a heart-wrenching choice, but I somehow understood his reasoning when he was at this hopeless crossroad of his meaningless existence. And when their love is consummated in a most intense physical sense, is it wrong that I did not feel it as wrong? ❤️🔥🫣 🔞 A scene that echoed the three Ex's - exotic, erotic, and explicit. It was written with such heartfelt passion and yearning - it made it more beautiful than sinful. Xu Ping's waging and raging thoughts throughout of the pain and shame as 'he succumbed to the sensations and fell into the fantasy, the gap between real and counterfeit' - were so raw and real and desperate that it hurt, and still tugged at my heartstrings - hoping for him to find peace with this one transgression to appease his heart and soul. 🥹
I do have some complaints.
The ending was rushed, leaving me wanting more time with them together in their youth, before it took a turn for the angsty train. I have mixed feelings regarding Huang Fang; his arrival in Xu Ping's life was crucial and painful; the point of no return remains a scene that really broke me but evocatively done. He was not bad per se, but he definitely made you want to hate him. 😮💨 However, I was not a fan of his character's involvement later on, nor was I satisfied with how his story remains unfinished with no hint of a continuation of sorts.
The over-zealous usage of the word retard to describe Xu Zheng can be unpleasantly offensive - rightfully so - even if I see it as a reflection of the aggression Xu Ping felt for him, it did get get wearisome, if not worrisome. 😕 However, again, I do know that it does halt in the passage of time, as Xu Ping's own view changes. How he realizes how insulting it is, how wrong he is, how he urges his brother never to look down on himself - 'you are a human being like everyone else.' To admit his own flaws and change was sincere and gratifying. After all,
“My brother is a genius. It’s just that idiots can’t see it.”
was an important confession of an endearing notion, as well as a pointed disapproval that the opinion of those who are mentally challenged needs to change. 😢 I also would have liked more of Xu Zheng's perspective, but the part that we did get was heartbreaking enough. 🤧
“And was it his destined part
Only one moment in his life
To be close to your heart?”
–Ivan Turgenov
A big kudos to the translator's hard work. 👏🏻 Effortlessly smooth, easily understood, very aesthetically pleasing with gorgeous formatting that made it such a gratifying and immersive read, one which each chapter had me at the edge of my seat uncertain of whether or not of whether they would have their happy ending, albeit a bittersweet one. 🤌🏻 As my first foray into danmei (Chinese novels) that portrayed a forbidden relationship (also my first!), I feel very fortunate to have lucked out on such an emotional journey that had an air of tragedy and tenderness to it, that made it all the more worth my while, and one I will certainly remember always. ❤️🩹❇️
“His brother kissed him.
And time seemed to stop.”
It was a beautiful story; it could have not been. 🩵🩵 A story featuring a 🚫taboo relationship between two brothers🚫 --- please, just hear me out of why it moved me so. ✋🏻 Maybe it was the expressive translation or the ability for the author to portray the brotherly love as something so pure and precious, yet tragic, you could almost forget they were related for how sincere and heartfelt the love between Xu Ping and Xu Zheng was. 🫶🏻
“Why would he love his brother? What hatred must destiny have harboured to curse him with this twisted and perverse romance?”
Xu Ping does not have it easy caring for his younger autistic with a mild deficiency Brother; it's challenging and stressful to his health and school life. It takes a decisive turn that after Xu Ping is so frustratingly fed up with how Xu Zheng's limited capacity has basically destroyed his life, hurtful words are dealt. 😥 It leads to a traumatic experience for his younger brother, which leaves Xu Ping with such a guilty and remorseful conscience, that he vows henceforth to devote himself to looking after him and 'would use his everything to give his brother a happy life. He would do anything it took even if that meant giving up his own.' 🥺
Xu Ping's complicated feelings of his conflicted emotions concerning his younger brother when he sees the slight steps of which he is himself unaware and unsure of why he's so drawn to his older brother is what make it such an unconventional love story. 💟 It is one not driven by lust for committing a sin, when he's so very desperate to quench that which he had thirsted for but which he had never obtained – knowing the implications and ramifications of it, but is powerless if not helpless, to the affection of Xu Zheng - 'but this stupid brother only has eyes for his older brother', who still yearns with a tangible, inexpressible want. 😟
“A thousand heroes could not compare to that stupid brother of his.”
Xu Ping truly was a good person - it may not have shown - but he made you care how he struggled to put his emotions at bay, faithful and trusting and considerate towards others at the most inopportune times. Almost a sign of weakness for which, sadly, he did pay the price for, but still dealt with his anguished woes with a strong sense of courage and kindness during the three significant stages of their lives in which we meet them. 😞
The Chinese political upheavals inadvertently influence their relationship too, creating this undertone of defiance if not dependence that results in an almost-tragedy. One that compels them to act upon their affections but still not have it feel tainted or advantageous for how haunting the events around them were. For only in a matter of desperation, if not absolute guarantee that it was his final stance, does Xu Ping act upon those repressed urges, despite his persistent troubled thoughts. Something so unexpected and not all foreseen, but yet cathartic... in the most unprecedented fashion. 💔💔
“I’ll be with you forever as long as you still need me.”
I did not exactly fault Xu Ping's decision; it was a heart-wrenching choice, but I somehow understood his reasoning when he was at this hopeless crossroad of his meaningless existence. And when their love is consummated in a most intense physical sense, is it wrong that I did not feel it as wrong? ❤️🔥🫣 🔞 A scene that echoed the three Ex's - exotic, erotic, and explicit. It was written with such heartfelt passion and yearning - it made it more beautiful than sinful. Xu Ping's waging and raging thoughts throughout of the pain and shame as 'he succumbed to the sensations and fell into the fantasy, the gap between real and counterfeit' - were so raw and real and desperate that it hurt, and still tugged at my heartstrings - hoping for him to find peace with this one transgression to appease his heart and soul. 🥹
I do have some complaints.
The ending was rushed, leaving me wanting more time with them together in their youth, before it took a turn for the angsty train. I have mixed feelings regarding Huang Fang; his arrival in Xu Ping's life was crucial and painful; the point of no return remains a scene that really broke me but evocatively done. He was not bad per se, but he definitely made you want to hate him. 😮💨 However, I was not a fan of his character's involvement later on, nor was I satisfied with how his story remains unfinished with no hint of a continuation of sorts.
The over-zealous usage of the word retard to describe Xu Zheng can be unpleasantly offensive - rightfully so - even if I see it as a reflection of the aggression Xu Ping felt for him, it did get get wearisome, if not worrisome. 😕 However, again, I do know that it does halt in the passage of time, as Xu Ping's own view changes. How he realizes how insulting it is, how wrong he is, how he urges his brother never to look down on himself - 'you are a human being like everyone else.' To admit his own flaws and change was sincere and gratifying. After all,
“My brother is a genius. It’s just that idiots can’t see it.”
was an important confession of an endearing notion, as well as a pointed disapproval that the opinion of those who are mentally challenged needs to change. 😢 I also would have liked more of Xu Zheng's perspective, but the part that we did get was heartbreaking enough. 🤧
“And was it his destined part
Only one moment in his life
To be close to your heart?”
–Ivan Turgenov
A big kudos to the translator's hard work. 👏🏻 Effortlessly smooth, easily understood, very aesthetically pleasing with gorgeous formatting that made it such a gratifying and immersive read, one which each chapter had me at the edge of my seat uncertain of whether or not of whether they would have their happy ending, albeit a bittersweet one. 🤌🏻 As my first foray into danmei (Chinese novels) that portrayed a forbidden relationship (also my first!), I feel very fortunate to have lucked out on such an emotional journey that had an air of tragedy and tenderness to it, that made it all the more worth my while, and one I will certainly remember always. ❤️🩹❇️
March 12, 2022
Warning: incest between 2 brothers, one of them suffering from autism.
This tearjerker wrecked me so bad. I have a weak spot for ill-treated children, let alone disabled ones. So I cried like a baby during the 1st half of the book, when the 2 brothers were children. The book tracks their lives until they became adults and their brotherly love grew into something different.
The depiction of autism in the younger brother, Xu Zheng, feels very real to me through the eyes of his elder sibling, Xu Ping. The transformation of Ping's feelings for Zheng, from shame, loathing to remorse and love, especially from his violent denial of the unspeakable desire for his brother, to regret and acceptance, was beautifully epic, happening along the historic transition of China from a backward, poor society into a modern, materialistic country. The event of Tiananmen played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our 2 MCs, as well as a few other characters.
But through all the rise and fall the world outside, Zheng remains a shining star of pure love and immovable devotion to his elder brother. His naivity and vulnerability against the cruel world, however, provides the cause of conflicts and sufferings for both of them. The pull of fate that constantly threatened to break them apart broke my heart so many times reading this book.
And that's also something that turns me off. The more the story goes, the more melodramatic and masochistic it feels to me. To the point I nearly DNF'ed it. Too many misfortunes, so much pain to bear. I had to check if there was a happy ending (there was!) before I could go on.
If you like to have your heart broken many times and put back together at the end, read this. Myself, I need to find a lot of light and funny stuff to read right now to get my balance.
This tearjerker wrecked me so bad. I have a weak spot for ill-treated children, let alone disabled ones. So I cried like a baby during the 1st half of the book, when the 2 brothers were children. The book tracks their lives until they became adults and their brotherly love grew into something different.
The depiction of autism in the younger brother, Xu Zheng, feels very real to me through the eyes of his elder sibling, Xu Ping. The transformation of Ping's feelings for Zheng, from shame, loathing to remorse and love, especially from his violent denial of the unspeakable desire for his brother, to regret and acceptance, was beautifully epic, happening along the historic transition of China from a backward, poor society into a modern, materialistic country. The event of Tiananmen played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of our 2 MCs, as well as a few other characters.
But through all the rise and fall the world outside, Zheng remains a shining star of pure love and immovable devotion to his elder brother. His naivity and vulnerability against the cruel world, however, provides the cause of conflicts and sufferings for both of them. The pull of fate that constantly threatened to break them apart broke my heart so many times reading this book.
And that's also something that turns me off. The more the story goes, the more melodramatic and masochistic it feels to me. To the point I nearly DNF'ed it. Too many misfortunes, so much pain to bear. I had to check if there was a happy ending (there was!) before I could go on.
If you like to have your heart broken many times and put back together at the end, read this. Myself, I need to find a lot of light and funny stuff to read right now to get my balance.
February 3, 2025
I'm so gonna end myself. Despite the taboo primary theme, the novel didn't fail to deliver such beautiful and gut-wrenching storyline. Aside from that, the settings—controversial background, political elements, societal norms, etc.—are so meticulously written, it adds up to the bitter taste when dowsing yourself through the chapters. There were times when I felt so nauseous reading, not because I was disgusted, but because of how stressful everything is.
The way the book portrays the brother's illness, their relationship dynamics, the pain, and the depiction of the era they were in is unmatched. That being said, it made me think more critically about societal taboos we often take for granted. It pushed me to gain more understanding why certain things are considered taboo and develop another perspective about the people involved in such stories. This novel is a hidden gem but it's not for everyone. It's easy to miss the deeper significance of the story, particularly its exploration of human nature. You can't overlook ethics and morals in this book. Xu Ping, the main character, constantly grapples with guilt over his morally wrong feelings, highlighting his humanity. And I believe that's really crucial to get a better feel for the story.
"They spun round and round like the rainy ripples on a lake. And in that moment, Xu Ping realized that perhaps his fate in existing in this ever-expanding universe, in this infinite time and space, was solely to be with this person right then and there."
Xu Ping is a very well-written character, you can feel his every burden and emotions seeping through the pages. While the novel includes some explicit scenes, they reflect Xu Ping’s conflicted feelings. The story didn’t stigmatize or sexualize mental health; instead, it portrayed individuals with mental disabilities more realistically than many other books. Xu Zheng wasn’t useless—he could work, get around, and maintain his health. However, his dependency on Xu Ping created a moral struggle. If Xu Zheng could express his consent clearly, Xu Ping’s guilt would have been shared, not solely on him. Xu Ping bears all of the emotional burdens of two people, from childhood til now, and the guilt of this relationship is threefold on him.
I really cried so hard. It's makes me think if it's really a happy ending but I guess it is, reading Xu Zheng tying Xu Ping's laces made me cry silent tears. He will also be taken care of now. This book really got me so stressed out. I hope they could live together peacefully and without much burdens anymore, especially Xu Ping.
The way the book portrays the brother's illness, their relationship dynamics, the pain, and the depiction of the era they were in is unmatched. That being said, it made me think more critically about societal taboos we often take for granted. It pushed me to gain more understanding why certain things are considered taboo and develop another perspective about the people involved in such stories. This novel is a hidden gem but it's not for everyone. It's easy to miss the deeper significance of the story, particularly its exploration of human nature. You can't overlook ethics and morals in this book. Xu Ping, the main character, constantly grapples with guilt over his morally wrong feelings, highlighting his humanity. And I believe that's really crucial to get a better feel for the story.
"They spun round and round like the rainy ripples on a lake. And in that moment, Xu Ping realized that perhaps his fate in existing in this ever-expanding universe, in this infinite time and space, was solely to be with this person right then and there."
Xu Ping is a very well-written character, you can feel his every burden and emotions seeping through the pages. While the novel includes some explicit scenes, they reflect Xu Ping’s conflicted feelings. The story didn’t stigmatize or sexualize mental health; instead, it portrayed individuals with mental disabilities more realistically than many other books. Xu Zheng wasn’t useless—he could work, get around, and maintain his health. However, his dependency on Xu Ping created a moral struggle. If Xu Zheng could express his consent clearly, Xu Ping’s guilt would have been shared, not solely on him. Xu Ping bears all of the emotional burdens of two people, from childhood til now, and the guilt of this relationship is threefold on him.
I really cried so hard. It's makes me think if it's really a happy ending but I guess it is, reading Xu Zheng tying Xu Ping's laces made me cry silent tears. He will also be taken care of now. This book really got me so stressed out. I hope they could live together peacefully and without much burdens anymore, especially Xu Ping.
March 29, 2021
Se que nunca mas lo volveré a leer, pero igual la voy a recomendar y prostitir en todo lugar y momento que esté a mi alcance.
No la volveré a leer porque soy débil y ya me he deshidratado mucho. Una historia tan realista, que nos lleva a explorar una China sin libertad y homofobica, donde el autismo es un retardo y por lo tanto, objeto de burlas e injusticias.
Xu Ping y Xu Zheng han sufrido tanto que sólo espero que desde el final hacia adelante, su vida haya sido solo felicidad porque se la merecen. Espero que cada año vayan a esa casa en la isla y vean el mar juntos. Cuantas veces no tuve ganas de entrar al libro y abrazarlos y solo decirles que eran buenos y que todo estaría bien y darles unas palmadas en la espalda.
Gracias autora-san por esta novela 😭.
No la volveré a leer porque soy débil y ya me he deshidratado mucho. Una historia tan realista, que nos lleva a explorar una China sin libertad y homofobica, donde el autismo es un retardo y por lo tanto, objeto de burlas e injusticias.
Xu Ping y Xu Zheng han sufrido tanto que sólo espero que desde el final hacia adelante, su vida haya sido solo felicidad porque se la merecen. Espero que cada año vayan a esa casa en la isla y vean el mar juntos. Cuantas veces no tuve ganas de entrar al libro y abrazarlos y solo decirles que eran buenos y que todo estaría bien y darles unas palmadas en la espalda.
Gracias autora-san por esta novela 😭.
August 2, 2018
This is very beautiful and well-weitten. I cried during the Tiananmen protests arc.... what should I say, the protag’s struggles and his twisted feelings are so real.
Edit.
this quote😭😭
“They were originally brothers but were even closer, and there was nothing in this world that could sever their bond. There was no need for the word “love” in the face of such a vast span of time.”
No, just...no dont please author, please dont break me I cant even.
Edit.
this quote😭😭
“They were originally brothers but were even closer, and there was nothing in this world that could sever their bond. There was no need for the word “love” in the face of such a vast span of time.”
No, just...no dont please author, please dont break me I cant even.
March 29, 2017
March 29th, 2017:-
Forgotten to mark this as read. Giving this a 3.5 stars only.
December 4th, 2016:-
Genre: Drama, Psychological, Romance, Yaoi
Tags: Autism, Brotherhood, Bullying, Incest, Sibling's Care
English fans translation here: http://www.novelupdates.com/series/br...
or here http://bltranslation.blogspot.my/2016...
But I am going to read it in Chinese via Cantonese TTS.
Forgotten to mark this as read. Giving this a 3.5 stars only.
December 4th, 2016:-
Genre: Drama, Psychological, Romance, Yaoi
Tags: Autism, Brotherhood, Bullying, Incest, Sibling's Care
English fans translation here: http://www.novelupdates.com/series/br...
or here http://bltranslation.blogspot.my/2016...
But I am going to read it in Chinese via Cantonese TTS.
December 30, 2024
2.5 stars- Super angsty modern danmei that strongly features disability, ableism, and family, it’s more similar in tone to literary fiction than romance genre. This would’ve been a solid 4 stars but the ending was hot garbage. I’d much rather have an emotionally impactful and satisfying bad ending than a rushed, low-effort happy ending
CWs: ableism and heavy use of slurs, cancer, death of a parent, bullying, abuse (child, domestic), sexual harassment, incest, homophobia, police brutality
CWs: ableism and heavy use of slurs, cancer, death of a parent, bullying, abuse (child, domestic), sexual harassment, incest, homophobia, police brutality
February 9, 2025
4.5/5 ☆
fue verdaderamente un tumulto de emociones.
increíble novela, demasiado pesada y triste, sentí dolor físico leyéndola.
creo q es d los mejores angst q he leído pq la mayoría q me he topado suelen exagerar tanto las tragedias q llega a ser repetitivo, pero esta novela... don't get me started, la angustia hace su trabajo
fue verdaderamente un tumulto de emociones.
increíble novela, demasiado pesada y triste, sentí dolor físico leyéndola.
creo q es d los mejores angst q he leído pq la mayoría q me he topado suelen exagerar tanto las tragedias q llega a ser repetitivo, pero esta novela... don't get me started, la angustia hace su trabajo
January 1, 2023
Rating: 5/5- This novel was so well written, that I’ve read it numerous times already. An all-time favourite.
Firstly, I am an incredibly open minded reader, who reads more out of curiosity at first than absolute preference. This novel is incest between blood brothers and where the younger brother is mentally disabled.
The plot is driven by forbidden and unacceptable love but the turmoil that the MC goes through is so well written. I think love is a dynamic that does not make sense to everyone, and what is acceptable to one may not necessarily be accepted by others.
In my opinion, the ret*rdation or autism of the younger brother is not portrayed as severely as some real life cases, causing one to see his character overly romanticised and probably unrealistic. This is fiction however so I cannot fault the author much here.
In a way it almost feels like the younger brother simply viewed his older brother as his entire universe from a young age and being together was a natural result, as he could not find solace or comfort with anyone else. The older brother was driven by guilt and then a twisted mutation of such feelings, to become attached and focused on his younger brother. I think having such a neglectful parent also allowed for such feelings to take on a life of itself and grow into that romantic kind of love.
The author really succeeding in turning a taboo type of love into something very pure from start to finish, especially because that guilt and pain of the MC is never forgotten. It’s easy to also see how the MCs desperation drove him to do what he did at the end at the expense of taking advantage of his brother, however if I look at what their circumstances were since childhood, I don’t think the younger brother would have ever coped without his brother.
Irrespective of how incest is depicted, the reality of this novel shows how love develops and warps into the very necessity of someone’s life as well as the bane of their existence. I think one can interpret this novel in many ways, even I personally have many views that are both negative and positive- however the one opinion of mine that stands out is that love is terrifying but honest.
As a reader I am always open minded to various concepts that can be written about in fiction, and my curiosity has always been the foundation of my ever expanding worldliness. I think morally, this topic will be heavily debated and will result in many correct and incorrect points.
However to me, I think this novel will truly remain special because it’s this type of book that really allows one to embrace the fearful nature of the world and its emotions, wonders and horrors we live amongst.
Firstly, I am an incredibly open minded reader, who reads more out of curiosity at first than absolute preference. This novel is incest between blood brothers and where the younger brother is mentally disabled.
The plot is driven by forbidden and unacceptable love but the turmoil that the MC goes through is so well written. I think love is a dynamic that does not make sense to everyone, and what is acceptable to one may not necessarily be accepted by others.
In my opinion, the ret*rdation or autism of the younger brother is not portrayed as severely as some real life cases, causing one to see his character overly romanticised and probably unrealistic. This is fiction however so I cannot fault the author much here.
In a way it almost feels like the younger brother simply viewed his older brother as his entire universe from a young age and being together was a natural result, as he could not find solace or comfort with anyone else. The older brother was driven by guilt and then a twisted mutation of such feelings, to become attached and focused on his younger brother. I think having such a neglectful parent also allowed for such feelings to take on a life of itself and grow into that romantic kind of love.
The author really succeeding in turning a taboo type of love into something very pure from start to finish, especially because that guilt and pain of the MC is never forgotten. It’s easy to also see how the MCs desperation drove him to do what he did at the end at the expense of taking advantage of his brother, however if I look at what their circumstances were since childhood, I don’t think the younger brother would have ever coped without his brother.
Irrespective of how incest is depicted, the reality of this novel shows how love develops and warps into the very necessity of someone’s life as well as the bane of their existence. I think one can interpret this novel in many ways, even I personally have many views that are both negative and positive- however the one opinion of mine that stands out is that love is terrifying but honest.
As a reader I am always open minded to various concepts that can be written about in fiction, and my curiosity has always been the foundation of my ever expanding worldliness. I think morally, this topic will be heavily debated and will result in many correct and incorrect points.
However to me, I think this novel will truly remain special because it’s this type of book that really allows one to embrace the fearful nature of the world and its emotions, wonders and horrors we live amongst.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2022
Leí este libro en unos días al parecer, no anote fechas, estaba revisando mi historial, muy interesante y curioso que el gong tenga retraso mental, que sean hermanos y que este ambientada en las protestas años después de la revolución cultural
October 7, 2022
My first time reading danmei novel with pure incest. I would be lying if I said I didn’t deliberate for a long time before deciding to pick this up. The story didn’t pique my interest as much as I thought it would. Probably because the character’s emotions are so foreign to me. I couldn’t relate or emphathize to it at all. But it slowly gets to you, especially the frustrations that Xu Ping felt, and the agonizing wait by the later chapters. It opened my eyes to a world I am not familiar with. However, the ending was so unsatisfying. Though it was HE, I feel like something is missing, but I can’t pinpoint what exactly. My heart feels confused after reading this novel. I didn’t feel relieved, instead I felt both happy and sad. But the happiness I felt didn’t feel like actual happiness but like an ice that would melt and soon go away. Well, that how art makes you feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2023
Mi trauma literario:
May 30, 2022
"Y en ese momento, Xu Ping se dio cuenta de que tal vez su destino al existir en este mundo siempre en expansión, en este tiempo y espacio infinitos, era unicamente estar con esta persona".
4.5/5⭐
No había llorado tanto en una novela desde 2ha y es que me leí esta historia sabiendo que ⚠️ era incesto, pero no pensé que me provocaría tantas emociones en tan pocos capítulos.
La lectura fue digerible. Me gustó mucho estuvieran ambientada en una China de los años 90 (aunque ya para finales del libro estaban como en el 2006) donde se observó mucho la represión política y los conflictos que ocasionó eso y cómo vivían las personas en esa época, tanto los civiles, los estudientes y los personas homosexuales que aparecieron.
Hay una frase que me gustó (aunque quien la dijo no fue de mi agrado): "Entonces, ¿qué clase de libertad? [...] El tipo de libertad donde puedo caminar junto a la persona que amo a plena luz del día sin que las personas señalen y susurren." Y es debido a que es tan triste que incluso hoy en día, China todavía reprima a sus ciudadanos en muchos aspectos. :(
La historia está dividida en tres libro y en cada uno el protagonista tiene una edad diferente y es a la vez más triste que el anterior. Al principio, yo pensé que quien contaría la historia sería el hermano, pero quedé 🤡
Yo sé que la historia es en sí muy tabú; pero hay muchos aspectos psicológicos por los que pasaron los dos (la ausencia de sus padres, la gran responsabilidad del hermano mayor a tan corta edad, la dependencia emocional entre ambos, etc) que incluso después de leerla, vas un poco en contra de tu moral y te deja pensando.
Hay algo que me dio mucho colera y frustración y es que al hermano que tenia una enfermedad mental, toda su vida lo llamaron siempre retrasado y es que por la época no había mucho información y es tan triste como las personas eran tan ignorantes sobre las enfermedades mentales.
Bueno, ya para el final, a mí casi me daba un ataque el corazón. Pense que acabaría tipo: in another life fueron fueron felices 😭 pero gracias al halo del protagonista muchas cosas se soluciones y acabaron bien aunque; me dejó con muchas dudas sobre como enfrentarían su relación más adelante. Probablemente la autora lo deja para nuestra imaginación; ya que, ni extras hubo. Aún así, una de la mejores historias que leí :')
4.5/5⭐
No había llorado tanto en una novela desde 2ha y es que me leí esta historia sabiendo que ⚠️ era incesto, pero no pensé que me provocaría tantas emociones en tan pocos capítulos.
La lectura fue digerible. Me gustó mucho estuvieran ambientada en una China de los años 90 (aunque ya para finales del libro estaban como en el 2006) donde se observó mucho la represión política y los conflictos que ocasionó eso y cómo vivían las personas en esa época, tanto los civiles, los estudientes y los personas homosexuales que aparecieron.
Hay una frase que me gustó (aunque quien la dijo no fue de mi agrado): "Entonces, ¿qué clase de libertad? [...] El tipo de libertad donde puedo caminar junto a la persona que amo a plena luz del día sin que las personas señalen y susurren." Y es debido a que es tan triste que incluso hoy en día, China todavía reprima a sus ciudadanos en muchos aspectos. :(
La historia está dividida en tres libro y en cada uno el protagonista tiene una edad diferente y es a la vez más triste que el anterior. Al principio, yo pensé que quien contaría la historia sería el hermano, pero quedé 🤡
Yo sé que la historia es en sí muy tabú; pero hay muchos aspectos psicológicos por los que pasaron los dos (la ausencia de sus padres, la gran responsabilidad del hermano mayor a tan corta edad, la dependencia emocional entre ambos, etc) que incluso después de leerla, vas un poco en contra de tu moral y te deja pensando.
Hay algo que me dio mucho colera y frustración y es que al hermano que tenia una enfermedad mental, toda su vida lo llamaron siempre retrasado y es que por la época no había mucho información y es tan triste como las personas eran tan ignorantes sobre las enfermedades mentales.
Bueno, ya para el final, a mí casi me daba un ataque el corazón. Pense que acabaría tipo: in another life fueron fueron felices 😭 pero gracias al halo del protagonista muchas cosas se soluciones y acabaron bien aunque; me dejó con muchas dudas sobre como enfrentarían su relación más adelante. Probablemente la autora lo deja para nuestra imaginación; ya que, ni extras hubo. Aún así, una de la mejores historias que leí :')
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
╰┈➤ [ 4/5★]
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta novela. En un principio entre por el incesto, pero mientras más leía menos quería que su relación tomara ese rumbo, y aun así me sentí aliviada de ver que tuvieron su final feliz juntos.
Si bien la historia trata de sus dificultades como personas y de como se desarrolla su relación, debo destacar el trasfondo histórico en el que ocurre la primera parte de la historia: china en los 80s/90s especialmente durante las protestas de Tiananmén. Me gusto bastante como la historia está escrita, a veces me sentía como si estuviera viendo una película, de esas indies que te dan una mezcla de nostalgia y tristeza.
Los personajes se sienten reales y crudos (de cierto modo) y creo que es por eso mismo que no quería que su relación cambiara, porque su relación de hermanos se sentía demasiado real. Sin embargo, al final, ellos solo se tienen el uno al otro y quieres que sean felices.
Me molesta mucho el capacitismo que hay durante la novela, pero al final es un reflejo de lo que se creía en aquella época—y aunque se haya mejorado con el tiempo, lamentablemente, sigue existiendo—aunque eso no quita que sea difícil de leer como tratan a Xu Zheng.
Para terminar, quiero decir que no esperaba nada realmente de la novela, por lo que me lleve una muy grata sorpresa y definitivamente voy a revisar las otras obras de este autor@.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados con esta novela. En un principio entre por el incesto, pero mientras más leía menos quería que su relación tomara ese rumbo, y aun así me sentí aliviada de ver que tuvieron su final feliz juntos.
Si bien la historia trata de sus dificultades como personas y de como se desarrolla su relación, debo destacar el trasfondo histórico en el que ocurre la primera parte de la historia: china en los 80s/90s especialmente durante las protestas de Tiananmén. Me gusto bastante como la historia está escrita, a veces me sentía como si estuviera viendo una película, de esas indies que te dan una mezcla de nostalgia y tristeza.
Los personajes se sienten reales y crudos (de cierto modo) y creo que es por eso mismo que no quería que su relación cambiara, porque su relación de hermanos se sentía demasiado real. Sin embargo, al final, ellos solo se tienen el uno al otro y quieres que sean felices.
Me molesta mucho el capacitismo que hay durante la novela, pero al final es un reflejo de lo que se creía en aquella época—y aunque se haya mejorado con el tiempo, lamentablemente, sigue existiendo—aunque eso no quita que sea difícil de leer como tratan a Xu Zheng.
Para terminar, quiero decir que no esperaba nada realmente de la novela, por lo que me lleve una muy grata sorpresa y definitivamente voy a revisar las otras obras de este autor@.
September 9, 2023
I think the low rating is my fault because I did not expect this to be a tragedy so that killed my expectations and subsequent enjoyment. I thought this would be a brothers against the world, bonding turning into affection then into taboo love type thing. Instead it started with an older brother neglected by his absent B-list actor father and forced into taking care of his mentally disabled younger brother (which initially bred resentment) since he was in elementary school. Then there's just more tragedy. It was well-written and I appreciated the setting created by the author but I can't say I enjoyed it, which is the reason for the low rating.
December 17, 2024
I agree with other reviews, the ending didn't feel very satisfying. I connected with the first few chapters (with the child mc) so much compared to the part where the mc is in his thirties, partly because of the length of each book, and the way they're written (which is yeah intentional, to reflect the way mc is just drifting and surviving). Still, would've loved to read more about them.
So glad he didn't die! I really half expected that he'd commit suicide with his brother.
Also the literary vhoice to omit huang fan's convo with xu ping is interesting, because ultimately it's not very important is it?
So glad he didn't die! I really half expected that he'd commit suicide with his brother.
Also the literary vhoice to omit huang fan's convo with xu ping is interesting, because ultimately it's not very important is it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Lo que se me hizo más interesante de esta historia, aunque no haya Sido el punto principal, fue ver un poco de como la gente recibió el cambio de democracia a comunismo, había gente en contra y protestaba, también había gente que se quedaba callada por miedo a afectar a su familia/conocidos/amigos y de igual forma había gente que apoyaba la causa, me gustaría leer más historias que toquen ese tema 🤩
February 14, 2022
Es una historia que directamente no te hace feliz, te crea un conflicto moral impresionante y la trama no tiene momentos se felicidad así que esperes mariposas y arcoiris porque definitivamente no las vas a encontrar
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
It is a uniquely well-written tragic story that follows the tough life of two brothers from their childhood. The novel not only captured the characters and their life, but also the feeling of unrest times in China and the events that were happening during those times.
December 8, 2019
exceptional.
April 27, 2020
Damn okay woah
September 1, 2020
Preciosa historia con un final un poco forzado...
January 6, 2021
This book is very sweet and soft <3
Uhh incest warning but otherwise it's very cute, I like it a lot. It's honestly very wholesome and aww...but some incest as I stated before...still cute tho <3
Uhh incest warning but otherwise it's very cute, I like it a lot. It's honestly very wholesome and aww...but some incest as I stated before...still cute tho <3
January 14, 2022
Me deprimí leyendo esta novela, no sé qué más podría decir.
February 24, 2023
Gut wrenchingly sad, naive and at times it made me oh so angry but it's really good. A book worth reading.
March 30, 2023
This book broke me by how beautiful it was (happy ending though thankfully 🙏🙏)
June 28, 2023
Es una historia muy diferente definitivamente el final fue en el penúltimo capítulo, para mí xu ping si murió la parte final se siente como un final alternativo
February 13, 2024
i like how they didn't fetishize that thing and the ending was emotional im glad they're both alive and together
May 6, 2024
So so good
August 31, 2024
This was utterly miserable start to finish.
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