Obscene

My Thoughts on Obscene

Alright, let's dive into "Obscene." This novel certainly lives up to its name, and I went in knowing it wouldn't be a walk in the park. With all the tags it has, I knew to expect some taboo themes, and it definitely delivered on that front.

First Impressions

Initially, the premise felt a bit… much. The relationships are tangled and complicated, and it took me a little while to sort out who was involved with whom. The whole family dynamic is definitely a central theme, and it is important to follow to understand the story.

What Works Well

Despite the potentially off-putting premise, I did find some aspects of the story genuinely compelling. The core relationship between Su Jing and Lu Zhixia had a certain sweetness to it. The novel explores the idea of finding understanding and connection with someone who truly "gets" you. I appreciate that the author delved into the emotional and intellectual connection between the two, making their attraction feel more than just physical. The novel also explores the idea of finding love in the most unlikely of places, and the idea that love is something you cannot control.

Areas of Concern

The biggest hurdle for me was definitely the inclusion of the affair between the father-in-law and daughter-in-law. It felt unnecessary and detracted from the more compelling elements of the main relationship. The narrative would have been stronger without it. I feel like it could have been cut from the story, without losing much of the plot.

Final Verdict

"Obscene" is a difficult novel to rate. It has moments of genuine emotional depth and sweetness, particularly within the central relationship. However, the inclusion of certain taboo elements and some plot contrivances hold it back from being truly great. If you're willing to overlook the more problematic aspects and focus on the connection between Su Jing and Lu Zhixia, you might find something to enjoy here. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of complicated relationships and morally gray characters.