Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Referring to Father as Elder Brother
Alright, let's dive into "Referring to Father as Elder Brother." This novel certainly isn't for everyone, given its... unique premise. But if you're open to a bit of taboo and a lot of fluff, it might just surprise you.
First Impressions
Going in, I knew this was going to be a "sand sculpture" novel, as some readers put it – the kind you don't take too seriously. The initial setup is quite comedic. We have an A-list celebrity, Lin Zixi, who's basically coasting through life, and a cold CEO father, Gu Zecheng, who's completely unaware of his son's existence. A chance encounter, fueled by a misunderstanding and grandma's dementia, throws them together in a bizarre charade.
What Works Well
The humor is definitely a strong point. The MC's airheadedness and the ridiculous situations they find themselves in had me chuckling. Many readers praised the fluffy development of the relationship, especially the lack of angsty misunderstandings that plague so many BL novels. The ML's ability to communicate and accept his feelings, even the taboo ones, was refreshing. And, let's be honest, the smut is well-regarded, especially after the turning point around chapter 40. It seems the author knows how to write a good love scene.
Areas of Concern
While many found the lightheartedness refreshing, I can see why some felt the story lost its way in the latter half. A few readers mentioned the shift in tone, with the plot taking a backseat to the smut. The ending also felt rushed to some, leaving unanswered questions and a desire for more closure, especially regarding the mother/grandmother's role.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, here's where we get into spoiler territory. The core conflict revolves around the MC and ML falling in love before the ML realizes the MC is his son. This leads to some, shall we say, complicated situations. After the reveal, the ML embraces the taboo, and the story becomes heavily focused on their physical relationship. Be warned, if you're sensitive to incest themes, this is definitely not the novel for you.
Final Verdict
Despite its controversial themes and a slightly rushed ending, I found "Referring to Father as Elder Brother" to be an enjoyable, albeit guilty, pleasure. It's a lighthearted, funny, and surprisingly sweet story with a healthy dose of smut. If you're looking for something different and don't mind a bit of taboo, give it a try. Just be sure to read the tags first!
