Sunday, March 15, 2009

Book Review: "A Walk To Remember"

Book Review:

“A Walk To Remember”

Von Ervy Atienza

IV- Madame Marie Curie



I. Introduction

Love is not a thing you can find sprawling around. It is the deepest, most meaningful thing that could ever happen in your life. Memories come by, but you try to bear with them all in all.

This is what Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Nights in Rodanthe) tries to tell us through the words of Landon Carter. And these words are written in his 1999 novel, “A Walk to Remember”. It is a story of love and friendship that endures all. It describes how faith can heal wounds and bring people closer together. It is a story of changes, changes that cannot be brought to life without the miracle of an angel named Jamie Sullivan.

The novel was written in the summer of 1998 and its story was inspired by Sparks’ sister. It was published in the fall of 1999. It spent nearly six months on the best-seller list in hardcover, and an additional four months on the paperback best-seller list. It then had a movie adaptation, which is set in the 1990’s with Mandy Moore as Jaime Sullivan.

II. Summary, Theme, Characters

The story is set in the 1950’s. It tells the reminiscence of a certain Landon Carter, back when he was just seventeen years old. He tells of the story of a certain Hegbert Sullivan, a person he will find out as the closest person to someone he will love. Hegbert is a minister. On one occasion, he wrote a play called “The Christmas Angel” which tells of the story of a father sacrificing his whole self for his daughter. It is quite the same as his own story, because he supports his only daughter Jaime by himself.

Landon also tells the story of his father, who is a congress man. His relationship with him doesn’t work well, mainly because of his present absence. He also tells of a drama class, of which he is one of the only two boys attending it. Miss Garber, the teacher, tells of a rendition of Hegbert’s play, of which his daughter Jaime as the Angel. Though most of the time she is very simple, during that moment, he sees her beautiful. It wasn’t until later that he would know the reason why he appreciates Jaime.

As the homecoming dance approaches, Landon finds it hard to find a date. Running out of choices, he approaches Jaime. It seems weird, but it is his only chance to have one. Jaime agrees, but says that he must not fall in love with her. They end up dancing with each other, but then the night doesn’t end up quite nicely because the two of them also end up cleaning his ex-girlfriend Angela’s vomit.

After the dance, Jaime thanks Landon for inviting her. It is probably her first time, but indeed something to remember. The she asks a favor, of which Landon approves of. He has the lead role of Tom Thornton. In addition to it, she also has the idea of playing it for the orphans whom she takes care of.
Landon brings Jaime to his house before going to the orphanage. She is amazed of Landon’s house and tells that he is very lucky with his mom. They also talk about the future. She tells him the simplest wish she has, and that is to get married. Then they go to the orphanage, only to get quite disappointed because they cannot perform for the children.

The day of the play approaches. And at the end of every rehearsal, they Landon walk Jaime home with an unexplainable feeling every time. They talk about almost anything that comes in mind. But one day, Landon walks her home in a very bad mood, causing him to burst his emotions, making Jaime feel sad.

The play comes, and it is a success, due to Landon being inspired by Jaime. He nails all lines, especially the one when he needs to tell her that she’s beautiful.
As Landon promises to make it up to Jaime, she tells a way to do it. He is asked to collect donation cans for the orphanage. He is disappointed with the outcome, but secretly adds something to it.

They hold the program for the children, and everyone ends up happy. After this, they exchange gifts, and this leaves Landon speechless. It is Jaime’s bible, the greatest gift ever. He is in love with her. And the most unforgettable day comes, the day they first kissed.

But then, when all is good and happy, the worst thing that could ever happen comes. Jaime’s secret is out, and it is the worst secret ever. She is diagnosed with leukemia, the rarest form of it. Landon tries everything to make her feel the best way as possible. Every time he comes to her house, they read the Bible and talk, all in the Lord’s plan. Then he comes to the idea of making Jaime’s wish come true.

They married. And forty years later, Landon still feels that day. When he is 17, his life changed forever. Thus, he now believes that miracles can indeed happen.

The plot is the key element to make the story as much real as possible. It proves to be very effective in creating the atmosphere of the usual teenage story made special. It is the most important element for it has all the content and essence of Landon’s memoir.

The theme of the story is the beauty, power, and innocence of true love. It is indeed shown; therefore, the whole novel proves to be in accordance to it.

The characters are as real as possible. Landon is indeed the rascal teenage boy, Jaime the divine, ethereal girl, Hegbert the overly caring and protective father, Eric the supportive best friend, and Landon’s family the usual rich, American household. They are very effective in showing the true spirit of a good love story.

III. Analysis

Nicholas Sparks’ style of writing is very simple and does not require a very complicated sense of understanding. Its target audience is mainly from the teenage side; therefore, the words, scenes, and events are well suited for this typical age group. But in some places, there is too much simplicity, which makes the next events quite expectable. Yet, the gist can really be grasped with ease. The story is indeed realistic; every event can be as possible as in every reader’s life experiences. The story is also very spiritual, because of the fact that Jaime’s character is very God-fearing and modest. The Bible is a key symbol to the plot.

Landon’s humor is very strong. Simple, yet it can give the laughs. Sarcasm can also be found in Landon’s lines.

Yet, the story at most is very touching. It is tear-jerking, especially near the end. This part shows how innocent and weak the heart is at first in the face of a great tragedy, but towards the conclusion, the heart becomes resilient and finds its way out of deep misery. Love is the factor in which the story revolves. It can delve deep into the hearts of the readers; this makes it very effective in telling its message. Sadness is transformed into true, unadulterated happiness, the greatest thing love can provide.

IV. Evaluation

The novel’s strength is in its simple, yet very emotional plot. Love is its greatest emotion, and it can conquer the hearts of many. It is clearly stated in each word. It is just pure, innocent love, a love in the face of illness, a love in the face of tragedy.

There is not much weakness in the novel. It’s just that it’s too simple and there are quite expectable events.

The book has left an impression of how great and spiritual the meaning of true love. It will not fail to leave an inspiration to the youth, whose innocence is not prepared for the larger tasks in life. It will leave you with tears in your eyes, as warned by Landon in the prologue.

I can deeply relate to the story, mainly because there are quite a handful of events that are close to what happened in my own life. I cannot mention them, but the novel makes me remember them. Landon’s life strikes me, and did not fail to give an impression and an initiative to be as resilient as him.

There are a lot of walks in our lives, but there are indeed, some walks to remember.

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