The Feast

My Thoughts on The Feast

"The Feast" is quite the rollercoaster of flavors, much like one of Su Nuan Nuan's culinary creations. As a lover of web novels, I dove in expecting a delightful blend of comedy, historical setting, and, of course, mouth-watering descriptions of food. While I wasn't entirely disappointed, I also found myself wrestling with some aspects of the story.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a modern-day foodie transmigrating to ancient China. The idea of a strong female lead shaking up the traditional dynamics of a historical setting is always appealing. The comedy, especially the bickering between characters, had me chuckling. I was ready for a lighthearted and entertaining read.

What Works Well

The descriptions of the food are, without a doubt, a highlight. I found myself craving dishes I'd never even heard of before! Many readers praised the FL's personality, and I agree; she's clever, resourceful, and her passion for food is infectious. It's also refreshing to see a web novel thoroughly mock the ML for his bad choices. The slow change of the ML is something that many readers enjoy as it is a much more realistic pace.

Areas of Concern

Here's where things get a bit complicated. The biggest sticking point for me, and seemingly for many others, is the male lead's... history. He has multiple wives and children, a common trope in historical settings, but one that clashes rather harshly with modern sensibilities. While the story attempts to address this, with the ML eventually becoming devoted to the FL, it's a difficult pill to swallow. I can see how some readers would find it hard to root for a relationship that begins with such an imbalance of power and pre-existing commitments. The servants of the FL can be a bit annoying, as they seem to be more of friends than servants.

Final Verdict

"The Feast" is a mixed bag. If you can overlook the problematic aspects of the male lead and focus on the comedy, the food, and the FL's journey, you might find it enjoyable. However, if you're looking for a straightforward romance with a morally upright love interest, this might not be the novel for you. I'd recommend going in with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the complexities of the story's setting.