BOOK REVIEW:
Despite
being a best-seller in its native country, the States and
UK, Cecelia Ahern’s debut novel never actually received
much accolades from the literary circle. Mind you, the Irish
young girl was only 22 when the novel was first published.
It’s
easy however to understand why the critics hate it so much.
The book is amateurish at times, contains lots of clichés
and drag on a bit too long. On the other hand, it didn’t
pretend itself to be a literary gem to begin with. It’s
a simple sappy tale of how a woman gets over the loss of her
beloved husband.
For
me, never in my life have I imagine myself reading a romance
novel. I was more of a Tom Clancy, Dean Koontz kinda guy so
it’s a bit far-stretched to even think of attempting
something so feminine. But miracles does happen, I manage
to lap up half of “P.S. I Love You” in one sitting.
Through
flashbacks, we get to learn how Holly and Gerry manage to
lead their lives as per any normal married couples till tragedy
strikes. Through the eyes of Holly, we manage to see how Gerry
managed to encourage her to live on life by leaving a monthly
note for her after his passing. And through Ahern’s
effortlessness way of weaving her words, we get to know so
much more of Holly, her friends and her family.
Issues
of boy-girl relationship are explored, girl’s night-out,
sibling’s rivalry, unemployment and so much more contributed
to the so-called “clichés”. But isn’t
our lives filled with such “clichés”? Those
snobbish critics must be living on some mountain tops to be
unaware of these happenings surrounding us.
Ahern’s
debut greatly touches me, a simple yet effective novel that
really strikes my heart. If you dismiss Gerry’s motives
as implausible or preposterous, then I’m afraid you
have yet to truly appreciate and love someone so dear.
CHOICE XCERPT:
“Holly carefully pulled the letter out of her bag as
though it was the most delicate thing in the world and she
ran her fingers along the neatly written word 'August'. Taking
in all the sounds and smells of the world around her she gently
tore open the seal and read Gerry's sixth message.
Hi Holly,
I hope you're having a wonderful holiday. You're looking beautiful
in that bikini, by the way! I hope I picked the right place
for you. It's
where you and I almost went for our honeymoon, remember? Well,
I'm glad you got to see it in the end...”
VERDICT:
An easy, touching read but motivates you to appreciate
and shower your love on your close ones even more after it.
Review
by Linus Tee
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