Wildhood Friends Novel Review

My Thoughts on Wildhood Friends

"Wildhood Friends" is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that really pulled me in. It follows Fu Yijie and Fu Kun from their childhood into adulthood, exploring their complex relationship as adopted brothers and the challenges they face discovering themselves and their feelings for one another. I found it to be a touching and realistic portrayal of love, family, and self-discovery.

First Impressions

Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The summary hinted at a particular type of story, but I quickly realized "Wildhood Friends" offers so much more depth. It's a slice-of-life novel with a comedic undertone, which I appreciated. The pacing felt a bit slow at first, but I soon realized that this deliberate pace was essential for developing the characters and their relationships.

What Works Well

The strength of this novel lies in its characters. Fu Yijie and Fu Kun are incredibly well-fleshed out, and I became deeply invested in their journey. The side characters, like Xia Fei and Zhang Qingkai, also left a lasting impression on me. Their stories, while sometimes tragic, added layers of depth and emotion to the overall narrative. I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of their lives, from their average living situations to their "grass to grace" journey. The familial love within the story is a strong theme, especially the portrayal of the parents, who are some of the best in BL.

Areas of Concern

While I thoroughly enjoyed "Wildhood Friends," I did feel that the parents' acceptance of the relationship was somewhat glossed over. I would have liked to see more exploration of their feelings and reactions after discovering the truth. Also, the age progression felt a little sudden at times, which briefly took me out of the story.

Final Verdict

Overall, I highly recommend "Wildhood Friends." Despite a few minor pacing issues and the potentially sensitive topic of a relationship between adopted brothers, the novel is a beautifully written and deeply moving story. It's a testament to Wu Zhe's ability to create realistic and relatable characters and explore complex themes with sensitivity and empathy. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions as you follow Fu Yijie and Fu Kun on their journey of self-discovery and love.