Suddenly, This Summer

Memories are like the air; love is the distance between two cities [referring to Karen Mok’s song]. This is not fictional love story, but the story of your own first love, so pure that it makes one in envy of your youth. Such an innocent love makes us constantly look back at a time that is bright and precious. Back then, high schooler Zhang Yuan stared at her arrogantly. “Little miss, look up. Let Master, I, look at you carefully.” Back then, Zhang Yuan bashfully dodged He Luo’s claws. “Now you’re already my person, whether you’re flat or round, isn’t it all mine?” Back then, Zhang Yuan stood for 18 hours to come to Beijing. Travel-worn, he said, “You lazy girl, did you just wake up?” Back then, Zhang Yuan handed He Luo photos of her home(?). “I thought you would be the madam of the house.” So effortless, so brave, so proud, even the last tear was filled with warmth. Thus, we refuse to grow old, like picking up a book and reading it over and over again. Thus, before we grow old, please savour this book, as if savouring memories of our own youth.

Original Publisher

朝华出版社

Original Language

chinese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on Suddenly, This Summer "Suddenly, This Summer" grabbed my attention with its blend of josei romance and school life drama, promising a story about first love and its complexities. I jumped in eager to experience the highs and lows of young love, and while it delivered on that promise, it also left me with a bit of a heavy heart. ### First Impressions The initial chapters are quite charming. I found myself drawn into the female lead's world as she navigates her feelings for the male lead. The story kicks off with her making a bold decision to switch to the science stream, all in pursuit of her burgeoning crush. This immediately sets the stage for a tale of youthful impulsiveness and the lengths we go to for love. The natural progression of their relationship is appealing, and I enjoyed the relatable moments of the heroine questioning the hero's feelings. ### What Works Well The novel shines in its portrayal of everyday life and realistic character interactions. The raw emotions of unrequited love and the desire to simply be close to your crush are palpable. I appreciated the focus on the female lead's internal struggles, especially when faced with the prospect of studying abroad. Her determination to stay and fight for her relationship resonated with me. It's these moments of genuine emotion that make the story compelling. ### Areas of Concern However, I did find myself wishing for more clarity in certain areas. The transition between high school and university felt somewhat disjointed, leaving me with unanswered questions about the characters' academic paths. More significantly, the reasons behind the central conflict – the couple's eventual breakup – felt somewhat ambiguous. The lack of clear communication between the main characters became a recurring issue for me, leading to unnecessary misunderstandings and heartache. It felt like both characters were stumbling through the relationship, often making assumptions instead of engaging in open and honest dialogue. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Okay, let's talk spoilers. The breakup seems to stem from the male lead's perception that the female lead views herself as superior due to her studies in Beijing. However, this is largely based on assumptions, and the lack of direct communication leaves the female lead completely in the dark. This leads to a heartbreaking situation where both characters are hurting, but neither truly understands the other's perspective. There are also conflicting reports about the ending, with some suggesting a happy reunion and others hinting at a more tragic fate involving illness and sacrifice. ### Final Verdict Despite its flaws, "Suddenly, This Summer" is an emotionally engaging read. The story's realism and focus on character development make it worthwhile, even if the lack of clear communication and potential for heartbreak can be frustrating. Be prepared to have your heartstrings tugged, and perhaps keep some tissues handy. I'd recommend it with the caveat that you might be left with some lingering questions and a slightly melancholic feeling.