Read-in-Progress Wednesday

[geraineon]

This is your weekly read-in-progress post for you to talk about what you're currently reading and reactions and feelings (if any)!

For spoilers:

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Comments

[lessonsinescapology]

I keep trying to read BG novels but fail to find one that I really like. Why are they so full of melodrama and bad tropes? *sighs*

[geraineon]

Haha, idk. Melodrama sells, I guess?

I like a good melodrama myself, but I'm quite picky about the flavour XD

[lessonsinescapology]

It must sell judging from how prevalent it is in these novels^^

[neigette]

Ooh, chinese BG novels or just in general? There were a few I enjoyed for the angst, but I guess they can be a bit melodramatic too

[lessonsinescapology]

Hi! I'm reading Chinese BG novels and even the ones by authors with a good reputation/popularity have this melodrama issue. Overuse of tropes. Supporting cast of female characters are all jealous or stupid. Etc.

The obvious conclusion must be it is the norms of this genre and that readers prefer it this way.

[neigette]

Hmm yeah, that's quite common but it might also have to do with when the books were written. At least, most of the ones I've read are quite old.

I personally really liked 三生，忘川无殇, 少年的你，如此美丽 (original novel for Better Days, the movie), and 你如北京美丽 (which has a drama adaptation now but I didn't watch). It's been a while since I've read them but I don't think they have as many annoying tropes, although there is definitely angst, which I enjoy.

[lessonsinescapology]

I don't know when the novels were written to be able to judge that. But I read what people have recommended as well-known or popular BG novels and those that were adapted to Cdramas. The genre conventions remind of 70s/80s shoujo manga.

Of course I'm mainly a danmei reader so the gap is wide for me.