Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on In the Apocalypse, Jiao Jiao Struggled Every Day
"In the Apocalypse, Jiao Jiao Struggled Every Day" is a novel that's left me with a serious case of mixed feelings. It's a wild ride through a zombie-infested world with a female lead who's either a complete airhead or secretly a genius...or maybe both? It's definitely a unique reading experience, and one I'm still trying to fully unpack.
First Impressions
Right off the bat, the MC, Su Ruan, is... something else. She's ditzy, obsessed with food, and seemingly oblivious to the impending doom around her. At first, I was convinced she was purely for comedic relief. But the more I read, the more I started to wonder if there was something more beneath the surface. Is she genuinely clueless, or is she playing a role? This question alone kept me hooked.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a strong point. The contrast between the serious, apocalyptic setting and the MC's nonsensical behavior creates some genuinely hilarious moments. I found myself laughing out loud at her antics, even when I probably shouldn't have. The original FL is another highlight. Instead of becoming a jealous rival, she becomes almost a mother figure to the MC and her interactions with the other characters are enjoyable.
Areas of Concern
Honestly, the writing can be a bit of a mess. At times, it feels disjointed and confusing, making it hard to follow what's going on. It's almost as if the author intentionally wrote it badly to be funny. This is the type of book where you really have to "turn off your brain" to enjoy it.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's dive into some potential spoiler territory. The novel has a five-year time skip that introduces amnesia, imposters, male pregnancy, and betrayals. This is the point at which the book went downhill, in my opinion.
Final Verdict
"In the Apocalypse, Jiao Jiao Struggled Every Day" is a flawed but ultimately entertaining novel. If you're looking for a serious, well-written story with logical characters, this isn't it. But if you're willing to embrace the absurdity and enjoy a good laugh, you might find yourself surprisingly charmed by this quirky, chaotic tale. Just be prepared to question everything you think you know about the MC... and maybe your own sanity in the process.
