A Walk to Remember — Nicholas Sparks
“Love conquers all.”
So they say.
Being an apathetic young woman that I am, I try to refrain myself from the sickening prevalence of melodramatics and the overwhelming emotions evidently manifested by romantic tales. I refuse to own chic lits on a regular basis; I can’t afford to listen to my cousin’s incessant mushy blabbers (I was shocked when she revealed to me that she actually had her first kiss already!), or my peers for that matter who have already had their fair share of romantic experiences; and most of all, I really haven’t registered yet the fact that I’ll be getting there someday.
A Walk to Remember is one of the most overrated Nicholas Sparks’ novels out there, and I can’t afford to miss out on the highly-acclaimed book. Tearjerker, huh? Let’s see…
This is actually your archetypal boy meets girl. Landon, already in his late 50’s, reminisces his last year in Beaufort High—when he met his first love, the daughter of the local minister, Jamie.
It has a very simple yet engaging narrative, almost as if you and Landon are merely on a coffee rendezvous, indulging in a reminiscent chat for old times’ sake—convincingly evidenced by the annoyingly repetitive pattern of mentioning “if you know what I mean.”
With remarkably clashing personalities, who knew that these people would end up eventually? Landon lives in a game of pranks, isn’t truly interested in religion but attends church because everyone is expected to do so. Jamie on the other hand, has an unquestionable faith in God even at the brink of hopelessness. Undeniably, the story emerges as spiritually thematic but not in a proselytizing fashion.
Thoroughly synthesized with a flurry of emotional authenticity, hopeless romantics will surely topple over and cold-hearted peeps will gradually soften and feel a tugging sensation at their heartstrings. I must say, I was also burdened by Jamie’s illness and felt a vengeful emotion running through my veins—though I wasn’t spared from the anticipation of the hopeful redemption for Jamie. How could someone so perfect just die like that?
The ending was tragic but a satisfying culmination to the story. We saw Landon’s rapid transition from an aimless and rebellious adolescence to a mature adulthood. Meanwhile, Jamie’s illness erased the severed ties between the families and steered the ugly wounds to reconciliation. And oh, the marriage neatly wrapped up their story. Truly an endearing love that fomented to an eternal affinity.
“It was, I remembered thinking, the most difficult walk anyone had to make. In every way, a walk to remember.”
A beautifully crafted tale of love and lost—inspiringly heart-wrenching and will never cease to touch people’s lives.
Rating: ★★★★★
Down The Book Cubbyhole 