There’s been a lot of hype around this story in the Western world, ever since Netflix did a series based on it. The original story, from a trilogy by Chinese author Liu Cixin, has been Westernized, with less Chinese Cultural Revolution, as well as simplified and dumbed down to appeal to more viewers. Depending on the viewer, it’s better now, or worse, or just different.
I don't think the book was tailored for an average audience. The author had an interesting but complicated 'what-if' science idea and used that to explore needs and relationships and motivations between various people/beings. Something we can all relate to but it was a given that the reader would have to be the type that could accept and maybe even understand the science involved, and with the patience to let the story unfold. Not average. As an aside, storytelling via a book is a different experience, as the reader can easily pause, reflect, and even turn back a few pages. Plus has to rely on their own imagination to recreate the author's world, and to maybe add to it.
Films are different, in that you're more tied to the flow, you absorb what the filmmakers have presented to entertain you, rather than having to imagine it all. In particular, Netflix produces films to make money, so the more viewers the better. They are targeting an average viewer, one that might accept a bit of science but is more there to be entertained.
I enjoyed the first book, and have all three. I may re-read book #1 before moving on to #2. I’m also watching, and enjoying, the Chinese-made series via WeTV. It’s with subtitles, less fancy CGI, and a slower pace, but it’s true to the original story. I like it. I started the Netflix series, but have paused for now after reading a number of reviews- I'd prefer to be entertained than annoyed ;-)
If you enjoy the three-body problem concept, here’s a simulation. It starts every time with a random set of initial conditions and then runs through the loops and twirls of the three suns, going through stable and chaotic eras, with dozens of civilizations rising and falling.
BTW - I sent out a survey recently asking which stories listeners would prefer for my podcasts - if you haven’t replied already, please do.