Chapter 418: Chapter 419: The First Lady’s Book Review
Writing three new books in a year, totaling nearly a million words, was beyond the comprehension of many Americans. While Martin's die-hard fans, the so-called "Martin Mafia," staunchly defended him, the general public was rife with skepticism.
If these skeptics had experienced the frenzied, hyper-competitive era of web novels, they would have realized that a million words in a year was nothing—three million words would have been a walk in the park!
Just as the skepticism was reaching its peak, a news article emerged.
"Many are questioning Martin's ability to write a million words in a year, but what they may not know is that Martin once accomplished an even more astonishing feat in China. In just a month and a half, he wrote a novel exceeding a million words."
"That's right—a month and a half, over a million words, and in Chinese, no less, which is far more challenging than typing in English."
"The novel, titled Zhu Sha Shen Zu (Zhu Xian), topped the sales charts in East Asia for seven consecutive months and remains in the top ten to this day."
"Martin's writing speed also sparked skepticism in China, but renowned Chinese author Shuo Wang and famous actor Wen Jiang confirmed his incredible speed. To this day, a famous quote from Martin circulates in China: 'The books are already in my mind; I'm just transcribing them.'
[TL/N: I'll take back what i said earlier, I wont change the China/Chinese unless it's necessary.]
"Genius cannot be judged by ordinary standards, and Martin's genius has long been proven. So, what exactly are the skeptics doubting?"
This article from the Los Angeles Times quickly spread across North America, convincing many that Martin truly could write three novels in a year. After all, his talent had already been validated in China, a country known for its literary rigor.
Americans, upon reading that Martin had faced skepticism in China, felt a surge of indignation. Seeing him shatter those doubts with undeniable proof, backed by Chinese celebrities, gave them a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was like a classic underdog story—our guy proved the naysayers wrong!
The skepticism was swiftly replaced by a flood of praise. Online, members of the "Martin Mafia" began targeting critics who had questioned Martin's writing speed, forcing many to disable their comment sections.
Once the hype had reached its peak, Martin posted a message online urging his fans to remain calm, earning himself another wave of goodwill.
April 1st, New York Times Square
The launch event for The Hunger Games was held here, alongside the release of the mockingjay pin Martin had worn at the Oscars. The event was, as expected, packed with fans, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
As for the book itself, The Hunger Games quickly became a favorite among feminists. It was a story about a young woman overcoming all odds to emerge victorious. At the same time, the novel resonated deeply with younger readers, pioneering a new genre: "young adult dystopian fiction."
Unlike traditional dystopian works, which often end with the protagonists' deaths and the triumph of a dark, oppressive world, The Hunger Games allowed readers to experience the fiery anger and fearless resistance of those living under tyranny.
While Twilight had been a hit among housewives, The Hunger Games particularly captivated white-collar and professional women. Even former First Lady Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton wrote a lengthy book review for The Washington Times. Here's an excerpt:
"...While set in the future, The Hunger Games contains clear elements of The Odyssey."
"As the foundation of Western contemporary culture, the archetypes in The Odyssey resonate deeply with Western audiences. These cultural elements have not mutated over time but continue to shine brightly in new narratives, as evidenced by works like Ulysses."
"This is why, despite its futuristic setting, The Hunger Games possesses a classical beauty in its storytelling."
"The mockingjay, with its fiery red hue, pays homage to the biblical story of God raining fire upon the wicked. In the novel, Katniss becomes the harbinger of this fiery judgment."
"The book also draws from ancient Roman history. Throughout history, endless wars, industrial decline, and political corruption have brought immense suffering, forcing people to become more pragmatic. To survive, they often abandon ideals and dignity."
"Previous authors of such stories tended to focus on human suffering and disaster. Martin, however, takes a different approach. He places 24 teenagers in a violent, deadly arena, where they face hostile opponents and ruthless game makers. A single misstep could cost them their lives. This is both a condemnation of war and violence and a critique of the cold indifference of the adult world."
"Yet, amidst the darkness, readers also see the light of humanity in these young characters. Whether it's the love between Katniss and Peeta or her friendship with Cinna, these relationships are deeply moving."
"Martin truly excels at writing female characters. Whether it's Isabella Swan in Twilight or Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, he doesn't just give them perfect appearances but also invests great effort in crafting their personalities, turning them into uniquely strong and memorable women."
"In traditional American novels, male characters often symbolize power and dominate the emotional landscape, while female characters are relegated to submissive roles, enduring life's hardships with patience and compromise. Fragile, delicate women or traditional, nurturing figures are more readily accepted by readers."
"In contrast to the melancholic heroines of traditional romantic novels, Martin's female characters are more independent and decisive. In The Hunger Games, he portrays the protagonist, Katniss, as a strong, capable woman. From her very first appearance, she is depicted as resourceful and determined, wielding a bow and moving swiftly through the forest in search of prey."
"In past literary works, hunters were predominantly male, while women were often relegated to gathering or farming. Katniss, as a female hunter, represents the shifting mindset and rising status of modern women in society—a refreshing and groundbreaking portrayal."