Partial Solar Eclispe

In 2018, “Afternoon Rooftop” topped the bestseller list of the year, earning the author, Xue Jing, who was only 21 at the time, invitations from the Writers’ Association, media interviews, and IP adaptations, as well as a guaranteed place at Ji University’s postgraduate program. With his high IQ and handsome appearance, he was hailed by readers as the “little Hu Shi of Jicheng.” In subsequent years, at every reader meeting, when asked about the motivation for his writing, Xue Jing would always laugh mockingly and tell a joke. He would thank his ex-girlfriend for not marrying him when he was down and out, as it was thanks to that that he had achieved his current success. Little did he expect that when they met again, the materialistic and gold-digging woman he had spoken of would be wearing a headscarf and driving a broken electric tricycle. She was racing through the fields with two piglets.

Original Publisher

jiangsu phoenix literature and art publishing house

Original Language

chinese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on Partial Solar Eclipse ### First Impressions "Partial Solar Eclipse" immediately drew me in with its premise of second chances and realistic characters. It's a shoujo romance, but it seems to lean more heavily on the "drama" aspect, which, honestly, is exactly what I'm looking for these days. I was intrigued by the promise of flawed characters and complex relationships, a far cry from the often-predictable tropes in this genre. ### What Works Well The strength of this novel lies in its portrayal of real, relatable emotions. The female lead's journey of redemption resonated with me, and I found myself rooting for her despite her past mistakes. It's refreshing to see a character who isn't perfect, but strives to be better. I also appreciated the depth given to the side characters; even those who made questionable choices were portrayed with nuance and empathy, making them feel like fully realized individuals. The novel tackles heavy themes like filial piety, toxic parenting, and even Alzheimer's caregiving. From what I've read, the author handles these topics with sensitivity and realism, making for a thought-provoking read. The male lead's clinginess apparently provides some much-needed comedic relief, balancing the heavier elements of the story. The writing seems quite in-depth, and thankfully, the translation is well done, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the narrative. ### Areas of Concern While the overall sentiment is positive, I did notice that some readers found the writing style to be somewhat flowery. While not necessarily a deal-breaker, it's something to keep in mind if you prefer a more straightforward prose. Also, I noticed one reader wished for more closure regarding the father-daughter relationship. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, heads up! Apparently, the ending isn't a traditional marriage scenario. The main couple is together and happy, but the female lead is focused on her career. The male lead wants to marry, but she isn't ready. So, if you're specifically looking for a wedding scene, you might be disappointed. ### Final Verdict Despite the potential for overly flowery writing and the non-traditional ending, "Partial Solar Eclipse" sounds like a worthwhile read. Its focus on flawed characters, realistic relationships, and redemption makes it stand out from the crowd. If you're tired of predictable tropes and looking for a more mature and emotionally resonant romance, I think you'll enjoy this one. The translation is great, the characters are complex, and the story seems to offer a hopeful message amidst the struggles of life. I'm definitely adding it to my reading list!