A review by tien
A Snake Lies Waiting by Jin Yong
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this series so much! Mostly because it is one of the most adapted works. I loved watching the tv series in my childhood and it's been remade at least twice more since. It's taken this long before the author agreed for a formal English translation and so it is my first time reading the series. However, as the story is familiar, it's more of a reminiscent of childhood for me. And it has captured my heart completely.
If I step back, however, I must admit that there were some awkward sentences/passages which are probably due more to 'being lost in translation' than anything else. And if you're familiar with the genre, wuxia, all the tropes are there. From the exaggeration of wickedness & nobleness, the cheeky characters, the strong but dumb character, the jokes, the dramas of miscommunication etc, they all can be found in this book. BUT as this author basically was the creator of this genre and therefore, the trendsetter of all these tropes, I really just have to admire his creative genius.
If I step back, however, I must admit that there were some awkward sentences/passages which are probably due more to 'being lost in translation' than anything else. And if you're familiar with the genre, wuxia, all the tropes are there. From the exaggeration of wickedness & nobleness, the cheeky characters, the strong but dumb character, the jokes, the dramas of miscommunication etc, they all can be found in this book. BUT as this author basically was the creator of this genre and therefore, the trendsetter of all these tropes, I really just have to admire his creative genius.