Oct 29, 2008 08:06 AM
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(Updated Oct 29, 2008 08:38 AM)
You don’t need my belongings to remember me by, you don’t need to keep them as proof that I existed or still exist in your mind. You don’t need to wear my sweater to feel me around you; I am always here…..always wrapping my arms around you.
A promise of eternity , spoken out in these few words. A Love which goes beyond the limitations of life and death. A realization and botheration of leaving your soul mate alone while He takes the journey to the heavenly abode, makes Gerryworrisome. He realizes that his love and pamper has made his wife over-dependent on him for her smallest needs. And on a particular chance he admonishes her that what if he fails to be next to her tomorrow. What if? He fails to cook that special breakfast for her when she wakes up in her bed on the first day to job? He fails to switch off that light for her when she’s neatly tucked in bed , and she ends up being knocked in dark while going from the switch to the bed? She has no finances to take care of her needs and suddenly she finds herself penniless? She fails to realize that her life has not ended with him and she still deserves to live and be happy?
So he writes to her. Her wife Holly! And carefully etches out a list for her, guiding her through her life in the ten months following from his death in February. A heartbroken and panicked Molly finds her solace and guide soul mate back in form of these letters, one for every month. For her he still lives on and she can feel his presence everywhere, she refuses to part with her marriage ring and still trusts him blindly and his advices through these letters.
Shoot for the moon and if you will miss you’ll still be among the stars.
And each note speaks of his care and concern. The day he realizes that he suffers from brain tumor he carefully starts mapping a life which she will lead without him. Right from thinking about small nitty-gritties like a bed lamp to planning a vacation he thinks for everything for her. All his letters end with the special Post Script I Love You.
Holly who feels dead at heart post his demise finds life springing in her through these letters. She looks forward to the time to when she can open the new post , and follows them with required vigor. Out of the blue life does not appear like a burden to her and she starts looking forward to living it.
A Sunflower for my sunflower, to brighten the dark October Days you hate so much. Plant some more safe in the knowledge, that a warm and bright summer awaits…
Cecelia Ahern has done a phenomenal job of bringing forth the most delicate of emotions. The emotions of never dying love, deep concern, unconditional faith and most of all living through death of a loved one. This extra ordinary story unheard and unimagined before, does bring on goose bumps. I was actually apprehensive about the messages, and could feel the lump forming in my throat on occasion of every monthly note. The few lined letters are impressive enough to brood in the mind forever.
The helplessness of a woman who can never imagine a life without her soul mate, and is suddenly left to manage on her own is depicted perfectly. Molly’s character as a widow takes turn of depression, compromise, heartbreak, scared to be happy, being picked up by men, penniless and jobless. In short the way a woman handles life without a male support. As you turn the pages of the book there are many instances which make you feel like hugging her , a perfect word game played by the author , pulling the heartstrings of the reader.
Even Gerry’s character, though dead but is ever present in the novel is one which generates a lot of respect and admiration. The thought and trouble which he displays to make a comfortable and better life for his wife post his death is parable. He seems like joyous person filled with optimism who believes in life even though his own is at stake.
Loving is not easy and leaving whom you love is like a ‘Curse’. Living without someone you are so accustomed to, whom you almost breathe in everyday. When your day begins with them and night fails to fall without them. When you know to cross the road still found comfort in holding hands. When you know the things have gone wrong still wetting their shoulders gave you peace. When you live miles apart and “I am there”made you go on. What happens when they go on one day?
You ensured to love them and made them special with 1001 things, you ensured to care more than required, you ensured to make them cry with your lovey-dovey gestures, unplanned hugs and smooches. But did you ensure to leave them with anything more than just your memories?
On and On PS. I Love You is a book which makes your insides turn mushy and do bring on a tide of romantic feelings. A book full of hope and life, the kinds which would reinstate your belief in love. Optimism generated through a story which is the most delicately powerful tale ever read before.
Don’t be afraid to fall in love again. Open your heart and follow where it leads you….and remember shoot for the moon
P.S.I will always love you.
Reviewers note: It’s a great feeling to finish the second book. Its just that hangover of the book is killing, still its worth it. A must read by everyone who has an ability to feel LOVE. If you aren’t an ardent reader catch the movie with the same name. Check the video attached from the movie. And remember “People Leave/Die but Love Doesn’t”
