What REAL literature are you reading now?

[Manko-sensei]

I finished reading The Romance of the Three Kingdoms a few days ago and wanted to talk about it but couldn’t find this thread for some reason, lol.

It’s easily one of the most insightful pieces of classical literature I’ve read in a long time. While the novel is lengthy, it is indeed a worthwhile endeavor. The characters are written brilliantly, each characters brings up profound questions about virtue and pragmatism.

I was particularly fascinated by the character of Cao Cao. A brilliant strategist and ambitious leader but he is deeply flawed, if summed up in one word: ruthless. He prioritizes efficiency above all else, often at the expense of morality and virtue. In contrast, Liu Bei serves as the literal personification of the Confucian ideal, he is virtuous, benevolent, and upright. The interplays and interaction between the two is compelling, as each serves as the other’s shadow. Cao Cao’s pragmatism highlights the flaws and limitations of a government rooted solely in Confucian values, while Liu Bei’s idealism shows the dangers of unbridled ambition. This dynamic makes both characters stand out as a perfect contrast to one another without necessarily invalidating either perspective and It's done so beautifully, also, It’s fascinating to see how Liu Bei’s virtues he preached often falter in the face of harsh political realities, while Cao Cao’s ruthlessness is tempered by moments of brilliance and foresight.

It's worthwhile to note that the novel’s depiction of the impermanence of dynasties and the cyclical nature of power is another aspect I deeply appreciated while reading it. Despite the relentless efforts of warlords to establish lasting empires, their achievements ultimately crumbled. The narrative is a gut-punch that no matter how brilliant the strategies or how resolute the ambitions, they could never hope to prevail against the tides of history. This sense of inevitability is both humbling and thought provoking, which offers a great lesson on the fragility of human endeavors....

I personally found Zhuge Liang to be an pretty intriguing character, though almost mythically perfect in his wisdom and loyalty, he is a Chinese manly Yamato Nadeshiko. His genius strategies, such as the Empty Fort Strategy, showcased the novel’s intellectual resourcefulness Really well. However, his near perfection feel doesn't feel human at all, more like an ideal whom you can strive to be than a relatable figure. Meanwhile, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei bring more to the story by embodying loyalty and martial prowess. Their bond with Liu Bei adds emotional depth more emotional depth to the story, while keeping their personal flaws, such as Guan Yu’s arrogance and Zhang Fei’s temper, which make them much more human and compelling than Zhuge Liang.

The novel’s themes of loyalty and betrayal resonates deeply to the readers very well. Loyalty is central theme to the narrative, whether it’s Zhuge Liang’s devotion to Liu Bei or the brotherly bond forged in the Peach Garden. At the same time, betrayal is an ever-present reality, reminding everyone of the brutal pragmatism required to survive in such times.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a complex novel which explores a lot of themes and it delves very deep into it. So, if guys have time, you guys should give it a read, it's long but once you start it, it will suck you in. For me the journey took almost 2 months but it was extremely worthwhile. I hope it's for you too. Sorry, if this message became way too long, but I needed to talk it out because how much of an impression this novel left on me.

Well, now you can read Paripi Koumei's manga, there's a ton of volumes that go past the point where the anime left it.

 

[Robinisback]

Well, now you can read Paripi Koumei's manga, there's a ton of volumes that go past the point where the anime left it.

Truly the most faithful adaptation of all times.

 

[Cubicle255]

I finished reading The Romance of the Three Kingdoms a few days ago

Reading your review makes me want to give it a shot. I've always been vaguely familiar with it with my primary education being of a chinese syllabus, excerpts and poems from the books or of the books would be taught in my textbooks. But I never got around to reading the novel because it was long and I was off reading local fantasy novels (if anyone read the Artakus chronicles). Eventually as I grew older I gained the interest but I lost then my ability to read the language at a decent reading speed. You say you took two months? Maybe I'll finish it in 6, thanks for taking the time to write that, I'll have to open a dictionary and read now

 

[Robinisback]

Reading your review makes me want to give it a shot. I've always been vaguely familiar with it with my primary education being of a chinese syllabus, excerpts and poems from the books or of the books would be taught in my textbooks. But I never got around to reading the novel because it was long and I was off reading local fantasy novels (if anyone read the Artakus chronicles). Eventually as I grew older I gained the interest but I lost then my ability to read the language at a decent reading speed. You say you took two months? Maybe I'll finish it in 6, thanks for taking the time to write that, I'll have to open a dictionary and read now

I'm so glad my review sparked your interest. I feel like those excerpts and poems will give you a great foundation while reading it. And The Artakus Chronicles sounds fascinating, I’ll have to check that out sometime.

The novel is definitely a longer side and it can feel intimidating, but it’s worth every moment. To be honest, I read the novel while I was busy with a lot of stuff, you could totally finish it in less time compared than me but of course, Taking six months is totally fine; it’s a book to savor, not rush. Plus, with your background, I bet you’ll pick up on details I might’ve missed. Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat about it while you’re reading, it’s such a layered story, and there’s so much to unpack. Good luck, and enjoy the ride.