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mirrorofneptune's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book is like a Shakespearean tragedy in that characters could’ve made different decisions to change the course of the story, but the decisions they did make are the only ones they could’ve made given their personalities. I went into this book thinking it would be about two lovers being separated while young and growing distant, and that is technically what happens, but the mechanism is a lot more violent than I expected (Manzhen’s brother-in-law raping and imprisoning her, with his wife/Manzhen’s elder sister as a co-conspirator ).
The story is frustrating at times, if still poignant, and I do think part of this is because Shijun’s character is so much weaker than Manzhen’s (the plot as a whole moves forward due to his inaction more than his actions). That being said, Manzhen frustrated me too at times even though I understood her thought process. That’s probably what the author is driving at– that people are complex and do their best, imperfectly, in bad situations– but that also means it’s definitely not the book for everyone.
The story is frustrating at times, if still poignant, and I do think part of this is because Shijun’s character is so much weaker than Manzhen’s (the plot as a whole moves forward due to his inaction more than his actions). That being said, Manzhen frustrated me too at times even though I understood her thought process. That’s probably what the author is driving at– that people are complex and do their best, imperfectly, in bad situations– but that also means it’s definitely not the book for everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape and Death of parent
Minor: War and Death
xyloblue's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Rape, Child death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Classism, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, War, Alcohol, Death, Cancer, and Terminal illness
niallharrison's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
juliatsang's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
If you are looking for a nice feel good romance, this is not your book. I was so angry with everyone in this book. The complacency of Mrs.Gu, the horrifying scheming of Manlu and Hongtsai, the passivity of Shijun and Shuhui. I wanted everyone to do better and was often internally screaming at them while reading. I don’t understand why this is such a popular book. I guess it makes sense if tragedy is your thing, because it really is quite tragic.
side note: I found the translation to be a bit stilted in English. I find Chinese to be a language where translators should sometimes focus on the meaning rather than a direct translation.
side note: I found the translation to be a bit stilted in English. I find Chinese to be a language where translators should sometimes focus on the meaning rather than a direct translation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Rape, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Abandonment, Violence, Death, Physical abuse, Self harm, and Infidelity
Minor: War and Suicidal thoughts
tinynavajo's review against another edition
5.0
Interesting
This was not all what I expected it to be. It is still a love story, but it’s a love story through real life, not one where the gets the girl and things turn out the way they’re supposed to be. And I like that actually. It feels like real life in a way other love stories haven’t, at least haven’t to me.
This was not all what I expected it to be. It is still a love story, but it’s a love story through real life, not one where the gets the girl and things turn out the way they’re supposed to be. And I like that actually. It feels like real life in a way other love stories haven’t, at least haven’t to me.
coffeebooksrepeat's review against another edition
4.0
The book follows the lives of three characters, Manzhen, Shijun, and Shuihui, and their families as they navigate the complexities and constraints of their time.
Chang showcases an insightful exploration of the lives of individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. She tackled how opportunities varied depending on a person's family background and gender, shedding light on the realities of that time.h what stands out is Chang's ability to exhibit the intrusive and sometimes oppressive nature of family dynamics of Chinese families, particularly regarding young people's affairs. Society's bias against unmarried women and women, in general, was thought-provoking.
Half a Lifelong Romance is a crafted tale of love, family, societal strata, and lives lost and gained, set against the backdrop of pre-and post-war China.
An absolute must-read for all historical fiction fans.
My first and definitely not my last by Eileen Chang!
Chang showcases an insightful exploration of the lives of individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. She tackled how opportunities varied depending on a person's family background and gender, shedding light on the realities of that time.h what stands out is Chang's ability to exhibit the intrusive and sometimes oppressive nature of family dynamics of Chinese families, particularly regarding young people's affairs. Society's bias against unmarried women and women, in general, was thought-provoking.
Half a Lifelong Romance is a crafted tale of love, family, societal strata, and lives lost and gained, set against the backdrop of pre-and post-war China.
An absolute must-read for all historical fiction fans.
My first and definitely not my last by Eileen Chang!
kdavisreich's review against another edition
3.0
Overall an enjoyable listen, although parts were a tad melodramatic for my taste. It was certainly interesting to get a window into life in Shanghai in the Thirties, something I know very little about.