Out of Control Marriage

This is a novel adapted from a true story and deeply analyzes the reality of marriage and the dilemma of human nature. Chen Yang, a girl from the county town, was introduced to Liu Li, a public official from a seemingly well-to-do family, with the expectation of her parents from an ordinary family. The Liu family's parents are retired cadres, and their family status is higher than that of the Chen family. Before the marriage, the Liu family made promises of generous betrothal gifts and a new house, but after the wedding they broke their promises again and again on the grounds of "for your own good": the betrothal gifts were paid in IOU, and the house purchase was delayed again and again. Chen Yang made compromises again and again for the sake of family harmony. After giving birth to his son, he thought he could gain understanding and attention, but found that he was still an "outsider" in the Liu family. Her father-in-law Liu Hongwei is the absolute authority in the family, her mother-in-law Zhao Huifang seems kind but submissive, and her husband Liu Li is a "mama's boy" who obeys his parents' orders and has no independent opinions. This "intellectual family" that seems harmonious and happy to outsiders is full of cold violence and calculating control behind closed doors. Through Chen Yang's experiences, this book truly shows many practical problems that may be encountered in marriage, such as excessive interference from the original family, economic control, cold violence, relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and lack of communication between husband and wife. It is not only a woman's struggle history, but also a mirror that prompts us to reflect: How should marriage be lived? When love meets reality, how should we protect our bottom line and dignity? Although the story originates from pain, it ultimately points to awakening and rebirth. It tells us that even in the most difficult situation, we should not lose the courage to pursue happiness and freedom.