Jul 16, 2002 07:22 PM
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(Updated Jul 16, 2002 07:22 PM)
The other day I heard my professor smilingly labeling writers as dreamers. Now, it may be accurate to label writers as dreamers but it is not sensible to conclude, as my professor did, that the dreams of a writer have no practical value beyond the realm of literacy diversion. Infact writers are just as practical as Scientist, Engineers & Architects. Where they differ from the Scientist & Architects is in the terrestrial sense alone. Frankly speaking, Writers are way ahead of their time, whereas Scientists & Engineers are alongside their time. And “Erich Segal” is one such writer who has always been ahead of the writers from his generation. I’ve read 3 books authored by him but apart from these 3 books, he has also written some 8 other books; including the best-selling books like
^Doctors
^Oliver’s Story
^Only Love
^Acts of faith
Since the time I first read “Love Story” by him, I’ve become a great admirer of his writing style & ability. Few months ago I came across “Love Story” written by him & it took me less than 4 hours to finish this fantastic book. The 127-pages book is smartly divided in to 22 chapters & please make it a point not to skip the first few pages of this amazing story.
The Cast:
Oliver Barrett: A Harvard graduate with a degree in law. Works for a New York based firm named Jonas & Marsh.
Jennifer Cavilleri:Jennifer is a Radcliffe graduate who is also interested in music & poetry.
Mr & Mrs Oliver Barrett: Oliver’s rich parents.
Phil Caveilleri: Jennifer’s poor father.
The Story:
Love story is a book about 2 people (Oliver Barrett & Jennifer Cavilleri) who are truly deeply & madly in love with each other. And the most interesting thing about their story is that they had nothing in common (Except for the fact that both were humans)…. The author prepares us for the ending in the beginning itself by saying “What do you say about a 25 year old girl who died…..” Oliver Barrett then takes us back in his heydays when he first meets this girl named Jennifer Cavilleri. The first conversation between the couple goes very romantically & interestingly; and eventually Oliver succeeds in taking Jennifer out for a coffee.
Slowly but surely Oliver & Jennifer falls in love with each other & after lots of sacrifices they decides to get married. Quite understandably Mr.& Mrs. Barrett (Ollie’s parents) raises objection towards their love affair & finally his father asks Oliver not to marry the love of his life. Oliver rebels against his father’s decision, as a result of which Mr. Barrett debarred his son from his life & property. But on the other hand Jennifer’s dad Mr. Phil Cavilleri understands their true love & arranges a marriage ceremony for the beautiful couple.
Oliver & Jennifer drill their Honeymoon in a yacht along with 21 children’s (Since Jenny was a children’s counselor). They had no troubles in life (Except for some financial problems). Since Oliver was preparing for his Harvard Law degree, Jennifer had to take some jobs to support their small family. Finally, Oliver managed to pass his Law exam with distinction & got himself a job in the firm of “Jonas & Marsh”. Happy days were back for the Barrett’s when Oliver got his salary of $11,800 which was the highest salary received by any new graduate.
One fine day Oliver & Jennifer visits their family Doctor because even after their marriage they couldn’t have a child of their own. After passing through a battery of medical tests, Dr. Sheppard (their family Doctor) detects that Jennifer is suffering from Leukamia. When Oliver comes to know about this horrible fact he gets devastated. After knowing the dreadful fact about Jenny, Oliver tries everything to make her happy & content in life. Finally after a month Jennifer suffers from her illness & is admitted in a hospital.
Oliver then requires around $5000 for Jenny’s treatment & finally decides to ask his father for help. After lot of discussion & explanation Mr. Barrett Sr. hands a cheque of $5000 to his son. Again Oliver had the grim responsibility of conveying the message of Jenny’s illness to Phil Cavilleri (Jenny’s father). Like Oliver, Phil Cavilleri also gets stunned by the news of his daughter’s illness. In the end………….Jennifer dies in Oliver’s arms. The last words she said to him were “Thanks Ollie”……
Conclusion:
To say that Love Story is only exceptional is to say that Everest is just a bit tall. The fact that Erich Segal has used simple but effective language in his book is simply astonishing. Love Story conveys the message that if you had to choose between betraying your country & betraying your Love, then you should have the guts enough to betray your motherland for your true love, cause Love is one of God’s sweetest blessings. Love Story is beautifully written & it’s intensely moving. If you haven’t read this book till now then please listen to my advice & buy a copy of this book right away (Trust me….You’ll be doing a big favor to yourself)…..
Quotes:
Love means never having to say you are sorry….
It doesn’t hurt,Ollie……Its like falling off a cliff in slow motion…….(Jennifer said these words when she was on death bed).
You look stupid & rich (Jenny said)…….I’m actually smart & poor (Ollie said)…..Oh no, Preppie. I’m smart & poor (Jenny said)….What the hell makes you so smart(Ollie said)…..I wouldn’t go for coffee with you (Jenny said)……..Listen I wouldn’t ask you(Ollie said)……….That is what makes you stupid (Jenny said)……..
We were so close, yet so far (Jenny says to Ollie when she was on death bed)…………
“You don't love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her”
