Fiona Ng – Google

This book left me all in a jumble of feelings because I simply cannot fathom how a dystopian 1984 can play out in real life with 10x the intensity. The book is historically accurate and the characters are so beautifully and artfully written that I really felt for the characters - more so given that every bit of it is real. I loved Jung Chang’s ability to tie in both facts and feelings together, and also her little doses of hindsight wisdom. It shocks me that in a world so narrow and so filled with hypocrisy, she had the guts and the ability to think critically. At the same time it also kills me to know that humans can be manipulated so easily and that a tyrant can turn ordinary honest people against each other. An amazing read and an extreme eye-opener to the painful and tumultuous years of China’s history. Must read. (Edit: I’m so bothered by the accounts of this book I’m desperately finding friends to read it so I can discuss it with them! It’s really such a thought provoking book.)

There is SOOOOOO much I love about this drama. I love their romance - unlike other dramas where the characters fall in love at first sight, this was a drama where the romance was actually believable. Both leads saved each other multiple times, and actually had the chemistry of a real couple (with the squabbles and jealousy and Gu tingye’s want for minglan to be more of a brat than a good girl). I love this drama so so much I’ve rewatched it three times! Minglan’s wit is also such a joy to watch! Do give this drama a shot and be patient with it :-)