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kimvisda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
ania's review against another edition
3.0
Relentlessly bleak and depressing. I'm not one for trigger warnings but this one could've used an advisory note.
stephend81d5's review against another edition
3.0
this book looks at the relationship present and past between a group and can be seen at times as a bit depressing with lost dreams and hopes after an incident when they were younger and that person passes away. the book switches between past and present
markp's review against another edition
2.0
This novel revolves around three friends: Boyang, Ruyu, and Moran. Different parts are set in the 1990s and in present day, in China and America. I found many of the depictions of daily life in China during these periods quite interesting, and I would have gladly read an entire novel consisting solely of Moran's storyline, which is sadly underdeveloped and crowded out by the other two. Boyang's storyline isn't bad, but we see far less of him as an adolescent, which likewise leaves the character stunted. But then Ruyu. So much of the book is about Ruyu, and I found her insufferable. She's like a robot who doesn't understand human interactions. If you tell her to have a nice day, she'll respond by asking why you would say that, and why it would matter to you whether or not her day is nice. She repeats that kind of interaction over and over. I don't mind unlikeable, difficult characters, but I draw the line at ones who barely act human.
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