A Round Trip To Love

A visually impaired fortune teller who had set up stall at the entrance of the alleyway once told me, “Your love life is destined to be tragically entangled with a man, and it will not come to a good end.” My payment to him was a half-drank soda can stuffed into his hands. I walked away with an air of indignation. “Hey, you haven’t paid!” His yelling was still audible from a few blocks away. Are you for real, you could not even tell if your customer is a man or a woman, what fortune can you possibly tell? Count yourself lucky I did not thrash your stall. Sitting here at the train station, with my cheeks swelling into the size of a pig’s head, disheveled clothes, both hands empty, I recalled the words of the fortune teller. I regret not paying my dues and a bit more to him. It is a pity before today, I have been living the life of a fool. Not only did I not redeem myself from being involved with a man, I did not discern that I will never come to a good end…….. ~ My story is dedicated to everyone who have entered my life, those who stayed and those who left. One of my favorite poet said: “There is a story, the one and only story that deserves to be told in its entirety.” To me, this is exactly what I need to tell. ~

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

chinese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on A Round Trip To Love "A Round Trip To Love" is a novel that's definitely left me with a lot to unpack. It's a whirlwind of emotions, and I can see why it's both highly praised and heavily criticized. It's a story that isn't afraid to delve into the darker aspects of love and relationships, which can be both compelling and, at times, disturbing. ### First Impressions Going in, I knew this wasn't going to be a fluffy romance. From the tags alone – abusive characters, tragedy, smut – it was clear I was in for a bumpy ride. The initial chapters draw you in with the sweetness of young love, but the undercurrent of potential heartache is always present. It's a story that promises depth, and it certainly delivers on that promise, even if some of what it delivers is difficult to stomach. ### What Works Well The author's exploration of the characters' emotions is a definite strength. The novel excels at portraying raw, unfiltered feelings, making the characters feel incredibly real, even when their actions are questionable. I also found the pacing to be well-managed, with the story evolving and the characters growing (or, in some cases, deteriorating) organically. The novel had an interesting pattern, which swayed my emotions and feelings differently in each chapter. I also appreciate that the ending, while bittersweet, provides a sense of closure. ### Areas of Concern The abusive relationship between the main characters is a major sticking point. While some find it compelling and a realistic portrayal of unhealthy dynamics, others find it outright repulsive. The male lead's actions are often cruel and controlling, and the main character's willingness to endure such treatment can be frustrating. I also found some plot points, like the introduction of certain family relationships, to be unnecessary and even disturbing. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning *Proceed with caution; the following contains spoilers!* Several plot points are highly controversial. The fact that the male lead has a child with someone else while pursuing the main character is a major turn-off for many. The instances of r*pe and the manipulation of other characters are also difficult to overlook. The incestuous relationships that are revealed later in the story add another layer of discomfort. ### Final Verdict "A Round Trip To Love" is a complicated and flawed novel. It's a story that will likely evoke strong reactions, both positive and negative. If you're looking for a lighthearted romance, this isn't it. However, if you're willing to delve into a dark and complex story with flawed characters and a rollercoaster of emotions, it might be worth a read. Just be prepared for a potentially uncomfortable journey. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, with a strong warning about the mature and potentially triggering content.