Decoding Hearts and Flavors: A Comprehensive Review on 'Granting You a Dreamlike Life' Novel

Food Culinary drama or food-themed romances are experiencing a renaissance in the world of literature, gaining quite a bit of credence and popularity. One such evocative story that beautifully brings together food and romance is "Granting You A Dreamlike Life". This Chinese web novel tells the emotional tale of a food critic who stumbles upon an old diary. The novel was later adapted into a popular 40-episode TV series, accessible on the Viki streaming service. Today, we'll dissect this mesmerizing tale for those who haven't had the opportunity to delve into it yet.

Part 1: Summary of Granting You A Dreamlike Life

The story revolves around Lin Jing Yun, a food critic born and brought up in France. She comes back to her family home and finds a dusty old diary. But this is not just any diary. It's a timeless record of electrifying romance between a renowned actress, Tian Ying Ruomeng, and the son of a triad leader, Luo Fu Sheng, set in 1930s Shanghai. This love triangle also involves Xu Xingcheng, Luo Fu Sheng's childhood friend. The story smoothly transitions between the past and the present, spanning three generations, skillfully touching upon themes of love, loss, and sacrifices.

Part 2: Main Protagonists of Granting You A Dreamlike Life

Lin Jing Yun's character is unique and captivating. Raised in France, she is a senior editor for a food magazine and a Chinese-American cuisine reviewer. Despite the aura of mystery surrounding her, it's her love for food that remains a constant in her life. Our male lead, Luo Fu Sheng, is an enigmatic figure. Described as arrogant, the character creates a tantalizing yang to Xu Xingcheng's yin. Luo Fu Sheng maybe portrayed as a rebel, but he has a heart of gold. Lastly, we have Duan Tian Ting, the original owner of the diary and the deal-breaker in the love triangle. She's a vivacious opera singer tied up in a love rivalry with two young masters from prominent families.

Part 3: Plot Review of Granting You A Dreamlike Life

As commendable as the plot is, the narrative structure of "Granting You A Dreamlike Life" can seem a bit convoluted, jumping between past and present. It strikes the balance between engaging storytelling and needless complexity. The concept, however, is innovative and intriguing – a contemporary food critic unearths an old diary that holds the key to her past and unravels an epic love story. A sprinkle of more relatable narrative could, perhaps, have further enlivened the tale, making the readers even more emotionally invested in the characters.

Part 4: Similar Book To Granting You A Dreamlike Life

Enjoyed the rich tapestry of food, culture and romance in "Granting You A Dreamlike Life"? You might find "Serendipitous Love" equally appealing. The novel serves a fresh story with no heavy or tragic conflicts. It is set against a culinary backdrop which only adds an additional layer of intrigue to the narrative. In this tale, Jacob, a rich and handsome most sought-after bachelor, seeks to win the heart of aloof voucher Jacqueline Avila.