2 The writing has some awkward phrasing especially in action scenes. For example the ice cracking being masked by wind is a bit convenient. Also the transition from death to the egg space is abrupt. I had to re-read to understand that Ronnie didn’t just wake up in a cave but actually in a metaphysical space. The prose could be smoother but the charm of the narration compensates for it.
The line “I have to say, the commotion created by collecting things in a calm little pool is really big” amused me because it’s such an understatement for what is actually a supernatural gathering. The whole sequence of him swimming and disturbing the pool feels like a metaphor for his arrival in this world – he’s an outsider stirring up the equilibrium. I’m sure the locals (snake people, ghost lizards) will feel the consequences.
I don’t like how the daughters-in-law are quickly silenced by their husbands. It feels a bit patriarchal-heavy even for the setting. But that’s probably realistic for the time. Still, I wish Li Chunhua got to argue her point more before being scolded.