Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on A Forum for Patients of Fourth Hospital
"A Forum for Patients of Fourth Hospital" has been quite the ride, a bizarre and hilarious journey through a horror-filled hospital that's anything but ordinary. It's a novel that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's a big part of its charm.
First Impressions
From the get-go, the premise grabbed me. Three terminally ill patients transported to a horror hospital for "treatment" through terrifying instances? Sign me up! The initial chapters are a whirlwind of dark humor and quirky characters, and I found myself quickly invested in the survival of Yu Xiao (Smiley), Zhao Lan (Misty), and Zhou Xiao Zhen (Precious). The forum posts scattered throughout added a unique and entertaining layer, giving glimpses into the wider hospital community's reactions to the MC's antics.
What Works Well
The characters are definitely the highlight. Yu Xiao, in particular, is a force of nature – a cunning and sometimes ruthless protagonist who's not afraid to stir up trouble. She's flawed, emotional, and often acts before thinking, but that's what makes her so engaging. Her friendships with Zhao Lan and Zhou Xiao Zhen are genuinely heartwarming, a refreshing portrayal of strong female bonds in a genre that often overlooks them. The instances themselves are incredibly creative, each with its own unique horrors and challenges. The world-building is top-notch, and I appreciated how the author gradually revealed the mysteries of the hospital and its inhabitants.
Areas of Concern
While I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, there were a few minor issues that niggled at me. The British slang used in the translation felt a bit out of place for a Chinese novel, and at times, the narrative felt overly descriptive, slowing down the pacing. The MC's reliance on "brute force" solutions in some instances also felt a bit repetitive.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Some readers felt that the ending was somewhat abrupt and bittersweet. There's also debate about the romance aspect, particularly regarding Nightmare. While some found their relationship endearing and a satisfying conclusion, others felt it was underdeveloped and leaned too heavily on typical tropes. Whether or not Yu Xiao truly loved him or simply found him useful is also up for interpretation.
Final Verdict
Despite its minor flaws, "A Forum for Patients of Fourth Hospital" is a highly entertaining and unique horror-comedy that I would recommend. It's a novel that doesn't shy away from the absurd, and its strong characters and creative world-building make it a truly memorable read. If you're looking for something different in the horror genre, this might just be the cure you need.
