The Male Wife

My Thoughts on The Male Wife

"The Male Wife" is a historical yaoi novel with a rebirth twist, promising drama, romance, and family dynamics. While the premise intrigued me, my reading experience was a bit of a rollercoaster. The novel has its strengths, but some aspects left me wanting more.

First Impressions

The initial chapters drew me in with the promise of revenge and a second chance at family. The idea of the MC, reborn and determined to treat his son better, was compelling. The translator's work was well done, making the story easy to follow despite English not being their first language. I jumped in hoping for a heartwarming tale of redemption and fluffy moments with a cute little bun.

What Works Well

The early interactions between the MC and his son were genuinely touching. Seeing the MC slowly warm up and become more attentive was rewarding. The initial "face-slapping" moments, where the MC stood up for himself against those who wronged him in the past, were also satisfying. I found myself rooting for him to succeed. The concept of the ML's character was interesting, although a bit vague.

Areas of Concern

As the story progressed, I started to notice some issues that several readers also pointed out. The MC, despite his rebirth, still felt somewhat cold and distant, and his parenting skills remained questionable. The ML's personality was confusing, and his actions often seemed illogical. The constant misunderstandings and lack of communication between the characters became frustrating.

I also found the frequent use of revenge plots to be excessive and, at times, morally questionable. The characters often resorted to extreme measures, and the justifications felt weak. The world-building also seemed inconsistent, with characters acting in ways that didn't always make sense within the established context.

Final Verdict

"The Male Wife" has moments of genuine charm and intrigue, but ultimately falls short of its potential. The strong translation and initial promise of a heartwarming story are overshadowed by inconsistent character development, excessive revenge plots, and questionable moral choices. While the novel may appeal to readers who enjoy drama and flawed characters, I found myself increasingly frustrated with its shortcomings. It's a 3/5 for me.