Cry, or Better Yet, Beg by Solche

Cry, or Better Yet, Beg is the twisted and heartbreaking love story of Matthias von Herhardt and Layla Llewellyn. I was first introduced to this novel through the manhwa and its beautiful art. Initially, I was skeptical about starting this because of all the negative comments about the story and hero. However, I wanted to know for myself how bad it was and I found that a lot of people must have read a different translation or exaggerated his acts. This is a historical dark romance. Matthias was a very complex and ruthless hero whose all-consuming love and obsession for Layla ultimately played a role in his misery, suffering, and redemption in the end. All he ever wanted was her beautiful smile, laughter, and love. His desire and love for her made him do some morally gray things—all for the sake of keeping her by his side. As for Layla, she was a complex heroine who did everything in her power to hate and deny her feelings and love for Matthias.

"If I can't be your heaven, Layla... then I will let you go… So, go. Fly away from me and find your heaven." — Chapter 137

"I'm going to be your heaven, your sky. So please, fly freely. As long as you don't leave me, you can do anything you want. I love you." — Epilogue 4

I absolutely loved Solche's writing, characterization, and her ability to bring everything full circle in the end. Every scene, moment, and conversation between Layla and Matthias was incredibly important and fundamental to understanding their entire relationship. Although his actions were inherently wrong and he "ruined" her life in the process, it also ruined his life in turn because it made him miserable, empty, and broken. Matthias' downfall from the perfect gentleman was incredible to witness because it resulted in his character development and decision to choose love over obsession in the end. I loved every single moment of this book and this will remain one of my favorite Korean historical novels to date.

Note: I read the official translation through Yonder.

Rating: ★★★★★