I'm kind of disappointed. I felt that this was very boring. I'm trying to push through vol 2. I was expecting a lot more and the angst isn't angst-ing
It just feels like the MC is chasing the ML, and the ML pushes him away. I'm waiting to see if something magical will happen! But being 53% of the whole novel has me questioning whether I should DNF
Hui Nan Qe writes beautifully. Her prose is poetic and powerful. The MC has been in prison for 10 years and story starts after he is released. He has a tight group of friends he made while in prison and they all support each during their difficult times returning to society. He reminisces a lot about the past and his memories with his brother and his father are, honestly, the most beautiful part. Apart of this, there’s lots of violence and TW moments in the book, including rape and domestic violence. ML approach to life seems to be complicated, until we understand his reasons for what he did. At first, you might despise him for his cold and aloof demeanour, but slowly, as more things are uncovered, you will learn to love him too. I love how the author described the complex relationship between the two and the differences between the past and the present. Lu Fei found family are also delightful and the kind of people you want to have in your life. All in all, it was a 5 stars reading. Highly recommend.
Considering the dark themes and questionable actions of characters in the beginning, I really wasn't sure if I was going to like this story. But the writing style and the translation worked like magic for someone like me, who isn't fond of the first person narrative. The flow of the story was smooth.
I really liked Lu Feng's persistence, sense of humor and sometimes his self deprecating sarcasm. On the other hand, I think I understand Sheng Min Ou's impulses, but I still can't forgive him for what he did to Lu Feng. It was a sheer act of humiliation. Even though, I cried for him reading about his childhood.
At first, it was hard to imagine a happily-ever-after for the characters. But when the story ended, it didn't feel forced as if it was the most natural course.