Just because the characters are more flawed doesn't mean they're worse in terms of dynamics. It's just harder, and I like that. Relationships aren't easy, they take a lot of work. You have to learn how to properly communicate, like how Maxi and Riftan are navigating. People are all flawed but it's the ones who recognize that and work to improve themselves and their relationships that end up keeping their loved ones in their lives. Maxi is severely traumatized and so is Riftan, and they don't exactly have mental health professionals. I think this is beautiful- it shows that keeping secrets and not being transparent isn't a good thing, that people can be clumsy in their good intentions, and that a marriage requires more than just love.
just wait until you know how he treats maxi after they separated for 3.5 years. I wonder if you can call it a husband who loves his wife and tried to "learn how to properly communicate"
Ooooo, right? I'm just waiting to see all the Riftan girlies try and justify their way out of what he does to Maxi in the following season(s)
Thanks for the spoiler, asshole.
most welcome darling
I know Riftan is a yearner. But for me he is a grey flag, so damn confusing sometimes. His intentions are good, but not with communicating it. In terms of writing, overall the novel is better than A Stepmother Marchen or How To Get My Husband on My Side. But if we talk about the dynamic between ML and FL, both of it is wayyyyy much much better than Under the Oak Tree. So saeddddddd