This is a beautifully written book, that realistically portays a basic human trait often overlooked in other fiction - people cannot easily change their inherent inclinations. Yes it is possible but not probable that people will always move towards changing and improving.

Though there are certain shortcomings, in a piece of work that slowly builds and explores a world and relationships these can be overlooked.

There are many characters like Gu Xian or Fu Jiangnan, who are infuriating, they never change, and at times it seems like the author is being repetitive... more>> but it is a very realistic portrayal of such people who are a personification of - a leopard doesn't change its spots.

The relationship between the main leads is a admirable, but it is the most beautiful friendship woven over the years that truly depicts a soul mate (Yi an and Lin Qingshu) is what kept me hooked.

Another aspect of the book that I really liked was that as people grew so did their ambitions, and with the flow of time and circumstances their priorities and dreams evolved as well. The characters all had their flaws and strengths and actually faced and grew with the repercussions of their actions.

I usually shy away from such long novels because the get very one dimensional as they progress and also more often than not I dont connect or empathize with secondary characters, not so with this novel. Though I must confess I had misread the chapter count to be 300something instead of 3000something otherwise I might not have actually started reading this novel.

Definitely deserves a better rating. <<less