Islands (烟火人家)

The drama stays largely faithful to the novel's core structure and emotional beats, though it makes adjustments to some character arcs and adds more hopeful resolutions.

• Ending Change: In the novel, Meng Wanqing's divorce is unresolved—Tao Dalei refuses, and she has to sue, with the first trial failing. The drama gives her a complete divorce, with Tao Dalei voluntarily signing the papers and even having a moment of reconciliation.
• Character Arc: The novel's Meng Wanqing develops cancer as a result of her marital stress. The drama retains this plot point but uses it as a catalyst for her liberation rather than just tragedy.
• Plot Adjustment: The drama adds more screen time to Li Yijin's workplace and romantic storyline with Zhou Dao, expanding beyond the novel's tighter focus on the mother-daughter dynamic.
• Character Depth: The drama gives Meng Mingwei a more complete redemption arc, showing her gradual understanding of her daughter rather than leaving her as simply a controlling figure.