Liang HE

Reading through the first 70% of this 600-page novel felt quite challenging for me. The portrayal of the rich and spoiled young characters predominantly involves them being either wasted/stoned, engaged in sexual activities, or a combination of both all the time. The protagonist, in particular, seems perpetually bewildered, displaying a lack of self-awareness or development. Moreover, the narrative and setting of the story feel quite disconnected from everyday reality, possibly due to the specific era, location, and upbringing depicted, which are far removed from my own experiences. This significant cultural and temporal gap made it difficult for me to truly immerse myself in or appreciate the story.