I Cut off the Exes That Ridiculed Me, Deciding To Live as I Please, but It Seems They All Liked Me for Some Reason Novel Review
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By aruku sakana, 歩く魚
65 chapters
2021
Description
“You’re just like a s*ave, Yuta-kun!” Those abusive words made me rethink myself in a new light. My model ex-girlfriend, my junior, and the best maid of the café all constantly ab*sed me. I don’t need these kinds of people in my life, nor do I need to force myself to be nice to everyone. From now on, I’ll be honest about what I think and do only what I want to. With this decision, my previously dull life was filled with color. —However, apparently, there’s a reason for their behavior? This is a story that starts with forgiveness.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- kodansha
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Web Novel
I Cut off the Exes That Ridiculed Me, Deciding To Live as I Please, but It Seems They All Liked Me for Some Reason Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on I Cut off the Exes That Ridiculed Me, Deciding To Live as I Please, but It Seems They All Liked Me for Some Reason
First Impressions
Okay, that title is a mouthful, right? I went into this novel expecting a pretty standard "betrayed MC gets revenge" story. And while it does hit some familiar beats, it also tries to do its own thing, making it a mixed bag. The premise of a guy finally standing up for himself after being walked all over is definitely appealing, but the execution has left me a bit conflicted.
What Works Well
I appreciate that the main character, Yuta, isn't portrayed as a complete idiot. His reactions to the "betrayals" feel somewhat justified, given his history and low self-esteem. The author does a decent job of showing the perspectives of both Yuta and the girls, highlighting their flaws and motivations. The girls do realize their mistakes, and it isn't just a case of "poor MC is always the victim." I found the initial catharsis of Yuta cutting off the toxic relationships satisfying, and his subsequent attempts to forge new connections are a positive step. The story also explores themes of self-improvement and finding genuine friendships, which adds some depth beyond the harem elements.
Areas of Concern
My main issue is the pacing. The initial impact of Yuta's transformation seems to fizzle out quickly. He falls back into a "nice guy" persona, becoming buddy-buddy with the exes a little too easily. While forgiveness can be a good thing, the novel rushes through the reconciliation, diminishing the impact of their past actions. It feels like the author wants to have their cake and eat it too – portraying the girls as flawed but ultimately redeemable without fully addressing the consequences of their behavior. The harem aspect also feels a bit forced, with Yuta not really choosing anyone but trying to treat everyone equally, which can get repetitive.
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Final Verdict
I Cut off the Exes That Ridiculed Me… has potential, but it doesn't fully deliver. The premise is intriguing, and the initial catharsis is satisfying. However, the rushed reconciliation, the MC's tendency to revert to his old ways, and the questionable actions of the female characters hold it back. I'd give it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars. It's an okay read if you're in the mood for a lighthearted harem with some drama, but don't expect a deep or particularly nuanced exploration of its themes.
