Rereadings
Hearts breaking
Israt Sawda goes for the meaning of love
Rare are masters in the literary world who can, with their pen and sleight of hand, paint the vignettes of life and make their readers commiserate with their characters. Rarer are those worked by such rare masters, which can give a vicarious feel of every single emotion ever defined and experienced by men. Erich Segal and his Love Story unequivocally qualify for such rare distinctions. "What can you say about a twenty-five year old girl who died? That she was beautiful and brilliant. That she loved Mozart and Bach. The Beatles. And me." These heart-rending lines open the bittersweet romantic tragedy in Love Story. One of the best selling novels of the 20th century, Love Story sold in excess of nine million copies and was translated into 20 languages. The movie based on this novel was also a box office phenomenon in 1971. There are a few things common to fiction and incidents of life: they take unexpected turns and the climax never unwinds till you get there. The author gives the gist of the tale in the first few lines, there are no unexpected turns, no surprises and yet, thanks to the author, this book filled with the litany of woes of the protagonist, turns out to be a bestseller; a best seller read at least half a dozen times even by non-bibliophiles. Yes, but if you have not experienced the class of Segal, it would come as a pleasant surprise as you read through. It is the story of Oliver Barrett IV, a wealthy Harvard student and an avid ice hockey player who falls in love with Jennifer Cavilleri, the daughter of a pastry chef. Much to the horror of his aristocratic family and very much against the wishes of his snobbish father, Oliver marries the quickwitted Radcliffe girl. The two have nothing in common but their love for each other. He is cut off from the family wealth and she refuses a scholarship to study music in Paris. But they are happy and content and very much in love. For three years, the newly married couple face financial trouble and have to work hard to make ends meet. Jennifer tries her best to make Oliver reconcile with his parents but Oliver remains stubborn and rebellious. His refusal to bend and realize his father's pain makes Jenny sad and angry but Oliver cannot bring himself to seek forgiveness or blessings from his father. After graduation, Oliver finds a job with a respectable law firm. Things begin to improve but then tragedy strikes. Jennifer is diagnosed with a fatal disease. Oliver is forced to seek his father's help in meeting the medical bills but he does not disclose the reasons for the loan. Jennifer meanwhile tells her husband not to blame himself for the opportunities she lost. They embrace tightly before she dies in his arms. The novel, on another stratum, explores the relationships between fathers and their offspring. Jenny adores her father Phil and he too worships the ground she walks on. They are close and support each other through good times and bad. In contrast, Oliver always tries to break away from "Barrett Traditions" but on a subconscious level he craves warmth and understanding from his father. When Mr. Barrett comes to know about Jenny's illness, he rushes to be with his son in New York. He is too late to make peace with Jenny. Oliver breaks down in his arms and thus a new relationship starts between Oliver and Mr. Barrett. Although the tale ends on a tragic note, it leaves a strong message to the readers, "Love means never having to say you are sorry". This book is highly recommended to all romance readers out there. If you are a diehard romance fan and love to read about love, the gushes and the sadness and happiness of it all, read this book. It is too fascinating to put down once you have set your mind on reading it. You will tend to compare this novel to the story of Romeo and Juliet. I sometimes wonder why those who love aren't allowed to exist. That is really something to think about. One is uncomfortable with unrequited love, and to read this book, about love being disallowed, is like a lump in one's throat. But love is something like life, which you have to go through even though you might be really unhappy and all.
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