Best Mom in the 60s Novel Review

My Thoughts on Best Mom in the 60s

"Best Mom in the 60s" is a fascinating journey back in time, and I'm finding it to be quite different from other transmigration stories I've read. The protagonist, Xie Yi Lan, travels back as her great-great-grandmother with the goal of improving her family's future. However, this isn't a simple task, as she's dealing with grown children who have their own deeply rooted issues.

First Impressions

I was immediately drawn to the unique premise of the novel. Instead of focusing on young children, the MC has to wrangle grown adults, each with their own complex lives and problems. The setting in 1960s China, during a tumultuous period of famine and political upheaval, adds another layer of depth and realism.

What Works Well

One of the strongest aspects of this story is its nuanced portrayal of characters. No one is purely good or evil; everyone has shades of grey. I appreciate that the author doesn't shy away from showing the flaws and imperfections of the characters, making them feel incredibly human and relatable. I also admire the author's willingness to critique the government policies of the time, which is a refreshing departure from the blind nationalism often found in similar novels. The MC's feminism and firm independence is also a breath of fresh air. The translation is also very well done, which makes the reading experience all the more enjoyable.

Areas of Concern

While I appreciate the realism, I can see how some readers might find the MC's internal thoughts a bit harsh at times. She can come across as apathetic and condescending towards her relatives, which can be off-putting. Also, the system that the MC uses feels somewhat unnecessary and underdeveloped. It doesn't add much to the story and could easily be removed without impacting the plot. The pacing slows down towards the end, and the story can become draggy at times. Some of the later chapters could be trimmed without losing anything important.

Final Verdict

Overall, I'm really enjoying "Best Mom in the 60s". It's a well-written and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on a turbulent period in Chinese history. While it has some flaws, the strengths of the story, such as its complex characters, realistic setting, and willingness to tackle difficult issues, far outweigh the weaknesses. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, slice-of-life stories, or novels with strong female protagonists.