The Spring of Prince Syndrome

If one day. What used to move your heart could no longer touch you, What used to enrage you could no longer anger you, What used to sadden you could no longer bring you to tears, You will know what these years, this life, has given you, What you sacrificed, in order to grow —Jimmy Liao A small and fresh day-to-day account. Grassroots gong and chuunibyou shou. *Prince syndrome (王子病) is the male counterpart to princess syndrome (公主病), which is often used to refer to children who are spoiled, narcissistic, and egocentric; “princess/prince”-like behaviour.

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Spring of Prince Syndrome "The Spring of Prince Syndrome" has left a lasting impression on me. It's a sprawling, decade-long journey through the lives of two cousins, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing China. It's a story that isn't afraid to delve into complex relationships and tackle some pretty heavy themes. ### First Impressions From the very beginning, I was struck by the author's writing style. It feels almost classic, perfectly capturing the mood of the late 90s and early 2000s. The translator has done a fantastic job of replicating this style in English. I was immediately drawn into the slice-of-life aspect of the story. ### What Works Well What I appreciated most about this novel is its realism. The characters, especially the MC, are flawed and relatable. He's not some overpowered protagonist; he's a bratty, sometimes unlikeable teenager who makes mistakes. But that's what makes him feel so real. His growth throughout the story is compelling, and I found myself empathizing with him even when he was being, well, a brat. The novel doesn't shy away from difficult topics like mental illness and homophobia, portraying them with a realism that's both terrifying and impactful. The story's depiction of societal attitudes towards homosexuality in China during that era is particularly well-done. Fei Tian has a knack for engrossing you in his stories. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the story overall, I can see how some readers might find the pacing slow at times. There are sections, particularly those focused on business and stock markets, that could be a bit dense for some. Also, if you're looking for a light and fluffy read, this isn't it. There's a lot of angst and not a ton of happy moments in the middle. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers mentioned that chapter 38 was particularly heart-wrenching. Proceed with caution if you're sensitive to emotional scenes. ### Final Verdict Despite its heavier themes and occasional slow pacing, "The Spring of Prince Syndrome" is a novel that has stayed with me long after finishing it. If you're looking for a realistic, character-driven story with a touch of melancholy and a whole lot of heart, I highly recommend giving this one a try. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster and maybe keep a box of tissues handy.