Being the first to write a review for 過人間/狗生 on Goodreads is quite exciting, considering no one else has shared their thoughts yet. Since there is no English translation available, I delved into the raw Chinese version. Despite its mere 15 chapters, each chapter is twice as long as your typical one.
The cover initially led me to believe it was an incestuous slice-of-life story, with the 哥哥 x 弟弟 depicted. However, it turned out to be misleading. They aren't biological brothers with different surnames due to circumstances. Let me make it clear: this is not an incest novel. Period.
My expectations were set for a soothing, cliché slice-of-life tale, with childhood sweethearts reuniting after years apart. Oh boy, was I mistaken! Just one chapter blew my mind away. The novel's plot took an unexpectedly heavy turn. The angst added depth enough to drown me in the abyss. Regret washed over me for not reading the description beforehand. My heart was ill-prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that awaited. The heaviness wasn't constant throughout, but the underlying angst persisted. It began with a bang, slowly escalated like a nuclear explosion, and eventually settled, leaving behind a trail of residual smoke.
**Trigger warnings are necessary due to mentions of rape, kidnapping, human trafficking, syndicate crimes, violence, and death.
The novel offered moments of brilliance, particularly in its descriptive scenes and the palpable emotions conveyed by the characters. The author's ability to create impactful metaphors and deliver powerful messages deserves commendation. I found myself saving these quotes for future reflection, as they held relevance beyond the confines of the story.
However, the plot exhibited significant inconsistencies, especially when comparing volume one to volume two. Volume one encompassed the first and second arcs, while the latter covered the rest of the story.
It started off on a high note but gradually declined. The flashbacks flowed smoothly and were executed brilliantly, providing a sense of realism that gave me goosebumps. However, the second arc felt somewhat abrupt, lacking the foreshadowing present in the previous section. It felt as if events unfolded suddenly, akin to a snap of the fingers. Nonetheless, I remained engrossed until this point. The heart-wrenching moments left my emotions hanging on the edge of a cliff.
Unfortunately, the second volume/third arc, which focused on the present timeline, left me deeply disappointed. It fell short of my expectations. The intensity of danger in the second volume couldn't match that of the first volume. Furthermore, the characters underwent significant changes. The protagonists of volume two seemed like entirely different individuals, as if their souls had been replaced halfway through the story. This was mentioned in the comments section on Gongzip, and while it raised some concerns, I found it understandable. Considering the hardships they endured, their separation, and the passage of many years before their reunion, personal growth and transformation were inevitable.
Lastly, the ending felt rushed. Several plot holes remained unresolved, suggesting the author's haste in concluding the novel. It left me with a sense of dissatisfaction. However, there was an extra chapter! Perhaps the author felt the ending lacked excitement and decided to include an extra segment to ensure readers would remember the novel through a surge of angst. I can't say for certain, but that's certainly how it felt.
For those seeking explicit scenes, the novel doesn't offer a multitude of smutty encounters. Additionally, the couple adopts a switch dynamic, which surprised me as a reader. If you prefer a different coupling dynamic, this novel might not be your cup of tea.
Overall, while the novel had its share of strengths and weaknesses, it remains a unique reading experience that delves into complex emotions and delivers thought-provoking moments. If you're open to exploring a story with unexpected twists and heavy themes, this novel might be worth a try.
PS. The author wrote another novel, a short one, called 一位隨時可能被舉報的網紅. It tells the story of the mc’s ex-roommate Lao San, set in the same universe as 過人間/狗生. You may want to check it out when you’re done reading this novel.