At the end of this humorous and philosophical novel, I surprisingly did not cry. Although one of the main characters passed away, the story was not focused on tragedies or sadness. Instead, the scope of the novel encompassed the entire being of humans.
There is a constant reference to how the “Universe wants to be known” and how humans try throughout their lives to leave a mark on this world and be remembered. We are such insignificant creatures in a world full of inevitable dangers. The characters in the novel also tend to question the meaning of it all, of life. What is the answer?
To have had the privilege to love and give to your beloved ones is a vital part of our lives. Although the majority of the population will die unremembered by the world, we strive to live especially for those who never had the chance and those who were cut short of a long life. I didn’t cry, because I appreciated my life. I appreciated the lives of these characters.
An Excerpt from Augustus’ letter to Hazel:
“Hazel knows the truth. People will say it’s sad that she leaves a lesser scar, that fewer remember her, that she was loved deeply but not widely. But it’s not sad, Van Houten [the author]. It’s triumphant. It’s heroic. Isn’t that the real heroism? Like the doctors say: First, do no harm.
No comments:
Post a Comment