A review by debreadings
天官赐福 [Heaven Official's Blessing], by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was my first foray into the "danmei" genre and frankly into Chinese literature (I know, I'm late to the party). The book is over 2000 pages and yet I read it faster than many 200-page books. Reading this, and other books in the genre, it's important to 1) understand the intended audience (not westerners, which people unfortunately forget), and 2) familiarize yourself with the cultural norms and lores that are deeply weaved into the story and its philosophies. It makes for a far more enriching reading experience.
Xie Lian is sometimes perceived as a "perfect" and kind character, but as the book moves from the present to the past, we learn about the traumas that led to who he is at the beginning of the novel. There are some great philosophies about what it means to "be a god" (i.e. have seemingly infinite power), and how life can be beautiful even in the simplest ways. Also, the love story that is central to the plot is beautiful. The writer apparently said in an interview that she set out to write a love story, so that is at the heart of the novel. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng's relationship is beautifully depicted.
One could argue that the way women are portrayed in the story is sometimes questionable - there are clear cultural norms (that frankly also persist in any culture) - but even then the female characters are still complex and not entirely virtuous. The most powerful god may or may not even be a woman. Heaven Official's Blessing puts into question what "power" even is, and the answer is rarely physical strength.
I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I started this book. Months later, I still go back to it to reread passages and to understand the story better.
Xie Lian is sometimes perceived as a "perfect" and kind character, but as the book moves from the present to the past, we learn about the traumas that led to who he is at the beginning of the novel. There are some great philosophies about what it means to "be a god" (i.e. have seemingly infinite power), and how life can be beautiful even in the simplest ways. Also, the love story that is central to the plot is beautiful. The writer apparently said in an interview that she set out to write a love story, so that is at the heart of the novel. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng's relationship is beautifully depicted.
One could argue that the way women are portrayed in the story is sometimes questionable - there are clear cultural norms (that frankly also persist in any culture) - but even then the female characters are still complex and not entirely virtuous. The most powerful god may or may not even be a woman. Heaven Official's Blessing puts into question what "power" even is, and the answer is rarely physical strength.
I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into when I started this book. Months later, I still go back to it to reread passages and to understand the story better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Misogyny