Aizawa-kun Can’t Love

My Thoughts on Aizawa-kun Can’t Love

"Aizawa-kun Can’t Love" is a web novel that initially piqued my interest with its blend of drama, romance, and school life. The premise, hinting at past trauma and betrayal, felt like it had the potential to deliver a compelling narrative. After diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, mirroring the varied opinions I've seen from other readers.

First Impressions

My first impression was that this story treads familiar ground. We have a protagonist burdened by a past incident and a cast of characters entangled in that history. It’s a common setup, and whether it succeeds depends heavily on the execution. The initial chapters seemed promising, hinting at a protagonist with more agency than the typical "bullied victim" archetype.

What Works Well

One aspect I appreciated was the protagonist's strength, both physically and mentally. Unlike some similar stories, Aizawa isn't portrayed as completely helpless. There are moments where he displays a clear sense of justice, like when he intervenes to protect girls from delinquents. This adds a layer of complexity to his character. I also enjoyed the moments where his warped common sense leads to humorous interactions, particularly with his homeroom teacher. It's a nice touch that prevents the story from becoming overly grim.

Areas of Concern

However, I also found myself questioning some of the plot developments. A point of contention seems to be Aizawa's reaction to the bullying he experiences, particularly his seeming willingness to forgive his childhood friend. While the novel attempts to provide context for this, it still felt somewhat unconvincing to me. The idea that he would consider apologizing to her after she participated in the bullying felt like a step too far. I can understand his desire to move past the negativity, but apologizing felt like misplaced guilt.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Aizawa-kun Can’t Love" is a decent read, but it’s not without its flaws. While the protagonist's strength and the occasional humor are definite positives, some of the plot points and character motivations can feel questionable. If you're a fan of the "traumatized protagonist" genre and are willing to overlook some of the more problematic aspects, you might find something to enjoy here. However, if you're looking for a flawlessly executed story with consistently logical character behavior, you might want to temper your expectations. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, suggesting you go in with an open mind and be prepared for some potentially frustrating moments.