I loved it, it's better than my expectations.
When drama was still in filming process, i was a bit curious about the original novel and the relationship of the grand canal with this story so i checked it and read about it and some articles about the canal as a way of knowledge and entertainment in the same time, so Northward shifts focus from the past to the present and future, while the novel takes a reflective approach, the adaptation embraces a broader theme of "going to the world," emphasizing modern relevance. The historical narrative once central now serves as a backdrop with the canal culture evolving into a symbol of continuity and renewal.By the 22nd episode, Chen Rui's discovery of an old notebook at the Grand Canal Culture Exhibition reveals deep ties between historical figures and his own ancestry. As the mystery unfolds, the series diverges significantly from the novel’s original storyline opting for a fresh narrative approach. The adaptation’s structure initially obscures these connections, allowing them to resurface gradually much like a sunken ship slowly revealing itself.
The drama Northward takes even greater liberties, reducing the historical scope and shifting focus to everyday life. It chronicles the evolution of six major families along the canal from ancient times to 2014, compressing history into a single, vivid portrait. The opening scene briefly nods to the past before transitioning into the daily realities of canal life. This transformation from "historical narrative" to "realistic narrative" creates a striking contrast, leaving fans of the original novel surprised( me too but i find the drama more good and lively) by the shift in perspective. The book intricately weaves historical and contemporary( there is a part from the story is set in an old dynasty not sure but when i searched i found this info) narratives, but the adaptation significantly trims the historical aspects. In the novel, an Italian named "Little Polo" embarks on a journey through China’s canal cities, searching for his lost brother and ultimately becoming part of local history. His story, filled with encounters, struggles, and love, forms the backbone of the book. Meanwhile, the present-day storyline follows a journalist retracing these historical connections.
The TV adaptation, however, streamlines this complex dual narrative. While it retains echoes of the past, its focus is firmly on the present, redefining the canal’s legacy for a new generation. The result is a reimagined tale that while controversial to purists offers a fresh perspective on history, culture, and identity.
You can read the novel if you liked the drama especially if you like the novels where you can learn many things about differents cultures and traditions... The drama seriously is better than i expected but i think it's for the mature people, or people who will understand the background of the story..
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