Expired First Love
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By konohara narise, 木原音瀬
2013
Description
Uno had a love he couldn’t forget. Even after graduation, he continued to have an unrequited crush on Murakami, a college classmate who was well-liked by everyone. Determined to put an end to these feelings, Uno decides to do so at a friend’s wedding. However, he discovers that Murakami, who was supposed to attend, has gone missing after accumulating debt. Having lost everything, Murakami had become homeless. In an effort to end his feelings, Uno takes Murakami in and they start living together.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- libre
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Expired First Love Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Expired First Love
"Expired First Love" is a complex and, at times, disturbing read. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished, prompting reflection on the nature of love, obsession, and the fine line between devotion and codependency. This novel dives deep into the darker aspects of human relationships, and while it's not always a comfortable journey, it's undeniably thought-provoking.
First Impressions
Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a first love gone sour. The title itself hints at a bittersweet narrative, and the tags, particularly "bisexual protagonist" and "cohabitation," suggested a contemporary romance with potentially interesting dynamics. However, as I delved deeper, I realized this was far from a typical love story.
What Works Well
The novel excels at portraying the complexities of unrequited love and the painful reality that physical intimacy doesn't always equate to genuine affection. The protagonist's unwavering devotion, even in the face of neglect and mistreatment, is both heartbreaking and compelling. I found the exploration of how one person can cling to even the smallest shred of hope, even when it's detrimental to their well-being, to be particularly well-executed. The author doesn't shy away from depicting the messy, uncomfortable truths of human relationships, making the story feel raw and authentic. The second part, "Heartless Love," is aptly named, perfectly capturing the emotional distance and selfishness of the male lead.
Areas of Concern
The biggest issue I wrestled with was the depiction of the relationship as a whole. The power imbalance and the instances of non-consensual acts definitely made me uncomfortable. While some might interpret the ending as a form of twisted love, I found it difficult to fully embrace, given the preceding events. It raises important questions about the definition of love and whether codependency and possessiveness can truly be considered healthy foundations for a relationship.
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Final Verdict
"Expired First Love" is a challenging and morally ambiguous novel. It's not a lighthearted romance, and it's certainly not for everyone. However, if you're looking for a story that explores the darker side of love, with all its complexities and contradictions, this might be worth a read. Just be prepared to confront some uncomfortable truths and question your own definitions of love and relationships. I'd recommend going in with caution and awareness of the trigger warnings.