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.

 

[MadScientist666]

Currently reading The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear.

Kafka...
Still am traumatized from having to have read the german version of the trial.
I was downright physically repulsed from that work.

We had to read this book during our German literature phase... I didn't really understand it back then and it still confuses me.

And now back to the original question... What I am currently reading: Nothing really, just finished some time ago the (probably) last criminal case solved by Carl Mørck and his Q department. That means I need to take the time to find some good sci-fi or fantasy books to read, currently, however, I am in my manga phase. And when I do not read manga, I mostly read books about hiking and mountaineering tours I could do. The last book I read was "Disquiet Gods" by Christopher Ruocchio. I am looking forward to reading the seventh and last book of the Sun Eater series, coming next spring, and want to see how Hadrian sets the universe on fire, hehe.

What I was thinking of reading: The "Seven Suns" saga by Kevin Anderson, the second and third books of "Three-Body Problem", "Ringworld" by Larry Niven, the books by Ian Banks ("Hydrogen Sonata" was great and I want more), "Hyperion Cantos". I also need to check out what books Brandon Sanderson published since my last check and maybe read "The Martian", the book to the movie. Also, I wouldn't mind to either hear (as audiobooks) or read the end of the Honor Harrington saga. It was a great story to listen to, but on Spotify, not all audiobooks were available back then. Maybe they are now, need to check.

 

[Sahkuh]

Currently reading The 13½ Lives of Captain Bluebear.

Kafka...
Still am traumatized from having to have read the german version of the trial.
I was downright physically repulsed from that work.

I can strongly recommend Rumo from Moers.

 

[Aluminium_Spaghetti]

Brandon Sanderson

He just finished the fifth book of the Stormlight archive, and he's writing the third era of Mistborn next. 2025 will be a great year for Sanderson fans.

 

[AjaxKun]

Finished reading Dune's first book, Marley & me not too long ago. Currently just started reading Identity Crisis by Ben Elton, so far it really captures how the current state of social media and how it has changed society for someone who wasn't born in it.

Dune was quite the read my first fictional book too though I'm not at all new to reading itself, the worldbuilding is the best I've read hands down but holy shit didn't that make it such a slow paced read especially for someone new to this.

 

[Cloverfieldo]

Started reading The Wheel of Time, on chapter two. My cousin recommended to me since I like Lord of The Rings. Already liking it

 

[MadScientist666]

He just finished the fifth book of the Stormlight archive, and he's writing the third era of Mistborn next. 2025 will be a great year for Sanderson fans.

Thanks for informing, need to check his website out!

Edit: I just noticed I forgot that I read in his newsletter that Book 5 of Stormlight Archives is more or less ready for sale. I ordered it now. And the Mistborn trilogy, nice! If I remember correctly, it will be set in a world that is roughly on the same technological level as the real world around the Saturn V/space race era. Really looking forward to seeing how this will turn out.

 

[MadScientist666]

Finished reading Dune's first book, Marley & me not too long ago. Currently just started reading Identity Crisis by Ben Elton, so far it really captures how the current state of social media and how it has changed society for someone who wasn't born in it.

Dune was quite the read my first fictional book too though I'm not at all new to reading itself, the worldbuilding is the best I've read hands down but holy shit didn't that make it such a slow paced read especially for someone new to this.

The first book of Dune is almost entirely world-building, the story speeds up later. Towards the end, in my opinion, it is almost too fast and I got the impression that Herbert's son somehow wanted to wrap up the series as fast as possible. In any case, the end of the series was... unexpected, completely. If you continue reading the books, you will see why, I won't spoil you without clear permission.

 

[MadScientist666]

Started reading The Wheel of Time, on chapter two. My cousin recommended to me since I like Lord of The Rings. Already liking it

It took me five years to finish the first book (don't ask why...), but once I finished it, I read all the other books in a few weeks. Keep in mind that there's a bit of a "story low" around the middle of the series, before it picks up speed and gets more interesting again. To not spoil too much

Spoiler: ...it is...

...so to say Rand's "maturing phase", where he finally accepts being the hero of the story and all the shit coming with it.

 

[literallymars_]

The 100 Girlfriends who really really really really REALLY love you

Peak literature

 

[eater_of_child]

The 100 Girlfriends who really really really really REALLY love you

Peak literature

yess

 

[literallymars_]

yess

This man gets itttt

 

[AjaxKun]

The first book of Dune is almost entirely world-building, the story speeds up later. Towards the end, in my opinion, it is almost too fast and I got the impression that Herbert's son somehow wanted to wrap up the series as fast as possible. In any case, the end of the series was... unexpected, completely. If you continue reading the books, you will see why, I won't spoil you without clear permission.

I've seen a video about it how they aren't even worth the try ..and given how there's like a dozen of them by his son when the original series only had 6 books I can see why already. Definitely excited to try the second book sometime

 

[MadScientist666]

I've seen a video about it how they aren't even worth the try ..and given how there's like a dozen of them by his son when the original series only had 6 books I can see why already. Definitely excited to try the second book sometime

He wrote drafts of the last one or two books and his son fleshed the story out. I honestly never heard of any other books besides the main series.

Seems I didn't miss anything.

 

[AjaxKun]

He wrote drafts of the last one or two books and his son fleshed the story out. I honestly never heard of any other books besides the main series.

Seems I didn't miss anything.

Here The video in question if you wanna check it out

 

[Robinisback]

Started reading "The Trial" by Franz Kafka, seems pretty interesting till now.

 

[kohelemon]

Picked up Dune this weekend, first new book I've read in some time. Obviously, I loved the movies; I don't usually watch a movie, then read the book, but I never thought I'd like either. I'm also going to start reading the Death Gate Cycle, a series I've always wanted to read from Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman; the pair who wrote the Dragonlance Novels.