Why web novels are so popular among teenagers
Web novels covering a myriad of topics such as palace dramas, Wuxia and Xianxia are popular in China.Nowadays, many teenagers like to read web novels – novels which are only available online. They especially like Chinese web novels. Some of the most popular ones have even been translated into English so that non-Chinese speakers can read them, and those stories have now become popular in other countries.
I think the main reason these novels are so popular are their unique themes. For example, readers from other countries may never have come across Xiuxian and Chinese chivalry novels before.
In addition, more Chinese web novels are being made into TV dramas, comics or anime – like the recent popular period drama, Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
I hope people will continue to be inspired to write these stories as a way of sharing Chinese culture.
Doris Mak, Pentecostal Lam Hon Kwong School
From the editor
Thank you for your letter, Doris. There must be a wonderful trove of stories and legends readers can access from the mainland. It would be lovely if fans would give us some book reviews of their favourites so we can recommend them to other readers.
We have heard that Cinderella, the fairy-tale classic may have originated in China. In Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang, by Duan Chengshi, we find the story of Ye Xian, a young girl who is treated badly by her stepmother and step sisters. Her dead mother has been born again as a fish, but the stepmother kills the fish. Ye Xian saves the bones which are magic and help her to get a beautiful dress to wear at New Year. When her sisters recognise her, Ye Xian flees, leaving behind her slipper. The king finds the slipper, searches for Ye Xian and the two live happily ever after.
To share your book, movie or game reviews, send them in to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include your name, age, school name and contact details. You too, could become a published writer.
Susan, Editor