Widow Novel Review
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By 老树青藤
92 chapters
2024
Description
Ling Xing opens his eyes to find himself transported to ancient times, becoming a “chong xi” bridegroom, married to a man on his deathbed. The wedding ceremony was conducted with his husband’s younger brother standing in as a proxy. Three days after the wedding, his husband passes away, and Ling Xing is transformed from a bridegroom into a widower. The original Ling Xing had fled famine and hardship, leaving him with no place to call home. Fortunately, the Shen family takes him in and allows him to live with them. The Shen family is poor, struggling to make ends meet, often going hungry and lacking adequate clothing. They subsist on a meager diet of porridge mixed with wheat bran, barely enough to fill their stomachs. Ling Xing, in his past life, was a food vlogger, skilled in recreating various cuisines and an excellent cook. To earn a living, he starts selling steamed buns, rice noodle rolls, and grilled skewers. His small food stall gradually grows into a two-story restaurant, becoming quite prosperous. As Ling Xing’s business thrives and his life improves, more and more people come forward to propose marriage. The matchmakers chatter incessantly, saying, “The Shen family, you shouldn’t stop Xing Ge’er from remarrying.” “In our Yu dynasty, there’s no rule that a married woman or ge’er must remain a widow for life.” “The one proposing marriage is a scholar!” Ling Xing is constantly pestered by these matchmakers, feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, his brother-in-law, who had given up his life as a hunter to pursue studies, returns after completing his imperial exams. Under his cold gaze, the matchmakers quickly disperse. That night, Ling Xing is pinned down by a tall, shadowy figure. “If you are willing to remarry, I want to marry you,” the figure says. Ling Xing is stunned, exclaiming in disbelief, “Shen Hui, are you crazy? I’m your brother-in-law!” Shen Hui lowers his gaze and replies, “You were married to me, so what kind of brother-in-law are you?” Note: The title “chōng xǐ” refers to the traditional practice of marrying to ward off bad luck.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- jjwxc
- Original Language
- chinese
- Type
- Web Novel
Widow Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Widow
"Widow" promised a cozy blend of historical fantasy, romance, and slice-of-life, and while it delivered on some fronts, I found myself a bit torn overall. The premise of a protagonist using modern cooking knowledge to improve his family's fortunes in ancient China is undeniably appealing. But, like a dish that's slightly off-balance, certain elements left me wanting more.
First Impressions
The cover art definitely caught my eye, and I was initially drawn in by the "poor to rich" storyline. I'm always a sucker for a good underdog story, and the promise of delicious food being the key to success had me hooked. The initial chapters were engaging, painting a picture of a hard-working protagonist determined to make a better life for his loved ones.
What Works Well
The family dynamics are a definite highlight. The Shen family, as a whole, comes across as genuinely decent, and I appreciated the MC's deep care for his younger brother. The slice-of-life aspects, showcasing the daily struggles and triumphs of a family striving for a better life, were also quite enjoyable. I also found the undercurrents of political intrigue added a nice layer of depth to the overall narrative.
Areas of Concern
However, I couldn't ignore some significant issues. The romance, a slow-burn shounen ai, felt underdeveloped. While the male lead pines for the MC throughout the majority of the story, their actual relationship doesn't truly blossom until the very end, which might leave some readers feeling a bit unsatisfied. Furthermore, I found the plot relied too heavily on unnecessary drama. While I appreciate a good conflict, the constant barrage of obstacles sometimes felt contrived and detracted from the overall enjoyment. I also had some concerns with the translation quality, with missing sections and other errors.
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Final Verdict
"Widow" has its charms, particularly in its heartwarming family dynamics and the protagonist's culinary journey. However, the underdeveloped romance, excessive drama, and translation issues hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you're looking for a lighthearted read with a focus on slice-of-life and don't mind a slow-burn romance, "Widow" might be worth a try. However, be prepared for some frustrating moments along the way. I'd give it a tentative 3/5 stars.
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