Top Five Chinese Novel Adapations

                                     ANNYEONGHASEYO & NI HAO!                                   

Most MDL members may not be familiar with Chinese novels and likely have not read one before. Unbeknownst to some of you, you have likely watched many Chinese dramas that are based on several popular Chinese novels. I do not know the exact statistic of how many Chinese novels are adapted into dramas every year, however, I can tell you that of last year's top Chinese dramas, TEN of them were adaptations of Chinese novels. Two of last years dramas are in the top twenty amongst MDL users.

Now, before we start our list, I would like to give you some background on my journey with Chinese novels …

It wasn't until the summer of 2016 that I was properly introduced to Chinese novels because of a good friend from work. At the time, my interests lied solely with Korean dramas. I didn't really bother trying anything else due to the sheer vastness of K-dramas alone but my co-worker was obsessed with an audiobook of a Chinese novel. Before I reveal what novel it was, my co-worker spent a couple of days talking about this crazy novel with a female character who gets revenge against her husband that she loved and helped him become the emperor. My co-worker explained to me in enough details on how this female lead was so vicious in her pursuits. I was completely sold on this novel, but unfortunately, I cannot understand Chinese nor read it so I simply committed to listening to my co-worker rehash what was going on in the novel. What was this novel? The novel was called The Princess Weiyang. 

Eventually, my impatience caught up with me because. In my efforts to obtain this novel, I did the unthinkable. I used google translate. The reason for such desperation was because I genuinely never read a novel with such an interesting character, let alone an Asian female character. I later received guidance via my co-worker's husband about sites that translate Chinese novel! Seriously? Who knew there were lovely people who took the time to translate Chinese novels?! (Side note: Many blessings to the hard-working translators!)

Anyhow, the rest you can say was history. My addiction to Chinese novels was set in stone. My addiction to Chinese dramas became habitual, once I realize that there were many adaptions to the novels I was reading. Now, enough with my silly journey, let us begin the Top Five.

(Warning: I went with novels and adaptations in which I have read and watched to some degree. I did not count any currently airing or about to air dramas for obvious reasons.)

                NIRVANA IN FIRE              

• Book Title: Nirvana in Fire by Hai Yan
• Genre: Historical, Political, Tragedy, Romance 
• MDL Rating:  9.2
• Differences: There are some but the acting makes up for it.
• Other Adaptions: Nirvana in Fire 2: The Wind Blows in Chang Lin
• Which is better?: Truthfully, both the novel and the drama have some strengths and weakness, so there are things I prefer in the novel, such as certain scenes, but the drama also brought some lovely scenes as well as better developed side characters.

                SCARLET HEART             

• Book Title: Bu Bu Jing Xin by Tong Ha
• Genre: Historical, Time-Travel, Romance
• MDL Rating:  8.6
• Differences: Can't recall any major difference from the book.
• Other Adaptions: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
• Which is better?: I prefer the novels; also liked the Korean version a bit more than the Chinese one perhaps for some of the changes they took and mostly due to its aesthetically pleasing quality in comparisons (aka no half bald guys.)

                ONE SMILE IS VERY ALLURING              

• Book Title: Just One Smile Is Very Alluring by Gu Man
• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
• MDL Rating:  8.7
• Differences: Main Character slightly off. 
• Other Adaptions: Movie of the same name.
• Which is better?: I truly love the novel more, but that is because you can read the thoughts the characters are having, so you get a better insight into their actions compared to the drama. I also had a problem with the dead fish kissing of the main actress as many did.

                WHEN A SNAIL FALLS IN LOVE              

• Book Title: When a Snail Loves by Ding Mo
• Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Romance
• MDL Rating:  8.4 
• Differences: They got rid of side characters, and changed certain relationships. 
• Other Adaptions: None
• Which is better?: My love is nearly equal to the drama and the novel. I seriously didn't mind the changes and less romance in the drama. In the novel, the main characters relationship is better established but I still thoroughly enjoyed both as it's one of my favorites.

                CRUEL ROMANCE              

• Book Title: Cruel Romance by Nian Yi
• Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, Historical
• MDL Rating:  7.9 
• Differences: Some changes but nothing overly substantial. 
• Other Adaptions: None
• Which is better?: The novel was enjoyable however it didn't set the backdrop and time well so the drama sort of surpassed it because DAMN the chemistry was real between the leads. Everyone acted so well in this drama for me, the set up of the characters was well done.

And we have reached the end of our list. How saddening XP. If you are interested in more articles, let me know in the comments. I will likely put another top five for this category because there are so many.  Any who wants Chinese Novels recommendations feel free to ask, I would be happy to help. Anyone who also reads Chinese novels, let's be friends. *shyly asks* 

Until Next Time!