Bizarre Love

My Thoughts on Bizarre Love

"Bizarre Love" is a wild ride of a web novel, throwing you headfirst into a world of high school drama, reincarnation, and a love story that’s… well, bizarre. With a 4.1/5 rating, it clearly has its fans, but it definitely seems to be a novel that evokes strong opinions.

First Impressions

The premise is intriguing: a female lead (FL) reborn into her 17-year-old self, determined to change her past and protect those she cares about. What I immediately noticed is how many readers were drawn in by the male lead (ML), Jiang Ren. He's portrayed as an aggressive, overbearing character with a troubled past, which is either a huge draw or a major turn-off, depending on your tastes. I was definitely curious to see how their relationship would unfold, especially given the FL's initial desire to avoid him at all costs.

What Works Well

The novel seems to excel in its character development, particularly with the male lead. He undergoes significant growth throughout the story, striving to overcome his inner demons and insecurities for the sake of the FL. I appreciated reading how he dyes his hair, studies hard, and works to build his own company, all to become a better man for her. Several readers also highlighted the FL's strength and devotion, praising her for sticking by the ML through thick and thin. The angst is definitely there, with a healthy dose of over-the-top devotion and sacrifices. The ending is generally well-received, with many feeling satisfied by the resolution and the happy family the leads create.

Areas of Concern

However, the novel isn't without its flaws. Some readers found the female lead to be a bit too perfect, bordering on Mary Sue territory. Her numerous talents and accomplishments can make her feel somewhat unrealistic and less relatable. More seriously, there were concerns raised about the portrayal of the ML's mental health, specifically bipolar disorder. Some found it to be inaccurate and potentially harmful, which is a serious issue that could negatively impact the reading experience for those with lived experience. Additionally, the ML's initial behavior toward the FL, which some described as bullying and stalking, was a major red flag for some readers.

Final Verdict

"Bizarre Love" is a novel that's likely to leave you with strong feelings, one way or another. If you enjoy stories with intense, flawed characters, dramatic plot twists, and a heavy emphasis on redemption and devotion, this might be worth a read. However, be prepared for potentially problematic portrayals of mental health and some questionable relationship dynamics in the beginning. Proceed with caution, and maybe have a box of tissues handy.