23:11 Novel Review
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By pilosopotasya, rayne mariano
112 chapters
2014
Description
One night, at exactly 23:11, a stranger sent Jhing Blanco a friend request on Facebook. From then on, every night at the exact same time, this stranger keeps trying to get her attention. No matter how much Jhing ignores him, no matter how many times she left him on seen, no matter how cold she is towards him… The two strangers gradually became each other’s daily dose of 11:11. This is an Epistolary novel—which means that a novel is written in form of letters, newspaper clippings, texts, or journal entries; and in this case, 23:11 uses a facebook messenger format…. not until the Second Book: 11/23.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- pop fiction
- Original Language
- filipino
- Type
- Published Novel
23:11 Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on 23:11
"23:11" is definitely a unique reading experience, and I can see why it's garnered a lot of attention. The entire novel unfolds through Facebook Messenger chats between Rico and Jhing, which is something I haven't encountered before. It's a bold choice that mostly pays off, making for a light and refreshing read.
First Impressions
Initially, I was a little unsure about the chat format. Could a whole story be told effectively through text messages? But I was quickly drawn in by the humor and sweetness of the interactions. It's almost voyeuristic, like peeking into a private conversation. The chapters are short and sweet, making it easy to binge-read.
What Works Well
The biggest strength of "23:11" is its originality. The chat format feels surprisingly intimate, and it allows the author to reveal character nuances through subtle textual cues. The humor is spot-on, and the slow-burn romance is genuinely engaging. I found myself rooting for Jhing and Rico, even when their misunderstandings felt all too real. The cultural context is also a plus; it's fun to see Filipino expressions and internet slang woven into the dialogue.
Areas of Concern
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: Rico's… persistence. While many find his unwavering attention endearing, I can see why some readers might find it a bit creepy. The line between persistent and stalker-ish can be thin, and the novel occasionally tiptoes along it. Also, the lack of traditional plot development might not appeal to everyone. It's very much a slice-of-life story focused on character interactions, so if you're looking for high-stakes drama, this might not be your cup of tea.
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Final Verdict
Despite some potentially problematic elements, I found "23:11" to be a charming and enjoyable read. Its unique format and sweet romance make it stand out from the crowd. If you're looking for something light, funny, and a little bit different, I'd recommend giving it a try. Just be prepared for a potentially controversial male lead and a story that prioritizes character interactions over a complex plot. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
