Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Ten Years Are Not That Far
"Ten Years Are Not That Far" is a short and sweet romance that definitely left me with mixed feelings. The story follows a young woman relentlessly pursuing a man ten years her senior, and the ensuing complications. It's a quick read, easily finished in one sitting, and aims to tug at your heartstrings, though how successful it is seems to depend on your tolerance for certain tropes.
First Impressions
Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. Age-gap romances can be compelling, and the idea of a determined female lead was appealing. However, I quickly realized that the execution might not be for everyone. The story leans heavily into comedic territory, but some of the humor felt a little…off.
What Works Well
The strongest aspect of the novel is the female lead's unwavering dedication. There's something admirable about her single-minded pursuit of the man she loves, even in the face of rejection. I also appreciated the male lead's internal conflict. He's not just arbitrarily resistant to the relationship; he has genuine reasons for his hesitation, rooted in past hurts and a fear of commitment. The author explores these anxieties well, making him a more complex character than he initially appears. I also have to give props to the translator, who really makes the story flow well.
Areas of Concern
While the FL's determination is admirable, it sometimes veers into behaviour that some readers might find questionable. There were moments where I felt her actions crossed a line, and I can see why some readers found her "stalker-ish." The male lead's initial dismissiveness of her feelings, simply because of her age, also rubbed me the wrong way. While he eventually comes around, it takes a while, and it made it difficult for me to fully root for him at first. Also, the ending felt a little rushed, and I would have liked to see more of their relationship after they finally got together.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Several reviews mentioned specific plot points that some might consider spoilers. The female lead wreaking havoc on the male lead's blind dates, and a particular incident involving his car, were frequently cited. Additionally, the reasons behind the FL giving up her pursuit of the ML, and the events leading to their eventual reconciliation, are also discussed.
Final Verdict
Overall, "Ten Years Are Not That Far" is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable read. If you're looking for a lighthearted, albeit somewhat cheesy, romance with a determined female lead and don't mind some questionable behavior along the way, this might be worth your time. However, if you're sensitive to age-gap romances or dislike obsessive characters, you might want to steer clear. I'd give it a tentative recommendation, with the caveat that your mileage may vary.
