At the End of the Wish

What lies at the end of the wish of the young girl who has been living while carrying hatred and pain is… The young girl whose father was killed. The one who appeared before the eyes of the young girl who had lived and was determined to exact revenge, though carrying hatred, pain and fury is…

Original Publisher

estar

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on At the End of the Wish "At the End of the Wish" is a completed historical romance that left me with a lot to think about. It's a story soaked in drama and tragedy, but ultimately aims for a heartwarming conclusion. While I can appreciate the author's message, I definitely have some mixed feelings about how it all played out. ### First Impressions From the start, this novel pulls no punches. The heroine endures immense suffering, losing her parents in a brutal fashion due to political machinations and false accusations. This sets the stage for a tale of revenge, or so I initially thought. However, the story takes a different path, exploring themes of forgiveness and moving on from deep-seated hatred. ### What Works Well The emotional depth of the story is undeniable. I found myself completely invested in the heroine's journey and her struggle to cope with her trauma. The author does a commendable job of portraying her pain and vulnerability. Also, the romance aspect, while perhaps controversial for some, is well-developed. The male lead, despite his connection to the heroine's past, is portrayed sympathetically, and their relationship offers a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. I admire the story's message about letting go of hatred, even if it's a difficult pill to swallow. ### Areas of Concern My biggest reservation lies in the resolution of the revenge plot. The "villains" are already dead, which leaves the heroine with a difficult choice: continue seeking vengeance against those indirectly responsible or find a way to move forward. She chooses the latter, which I understand, but I can't help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction. It feels like justice was never truly served. I also feel that the story could have benefited from a more extended exploration of the relationship between the main couple. A little more "fluff," as some might say, could have balanced the heavy themes. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning *If you haven't read the novel and want to avoid spoilers, skip to the "Final Verdict" section.* The core of the controversy seems to stem from the male lead's connection to the heroine's father's death. While he wasn't directly responsible, his father was, and he failed to speak up when he could have potentially saved her father. This creates a moral dilemma that some readers, myself included, find difficult to reconcile. The fact that the heroine ultimately forgives him and builds a life with him doesn't sit right with everyone, leading to feelings of bitterness and a desire for a more vengeful outcome. ### Final Verdict "At the End of the Wish" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel. While it may not satisfy those seeking a traditional revenge story, it offers a nuanced exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the possibility of finding happiness even after experiencing immense tragedy. I'd rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5. It's a worthwhile read, but be prepared to grapple with some uncomfortable emotions and a potentially unsatisfying resolution.