written by Kira Salak
I found this a very interesting read. I was fascinated by the life-threatening experiences, disturbed by the descriptions of the suffering around the world and deeply moved by the main character's discovery of the meaning of happiness and her mentor's pessimistic interpretation of life.
The story jumps around in time a bit which has both positives and negatives. I felt at times it wasn't a smooth transition so it broke up my train of thought somewhat. However, it also worked to give a background to Marika's life which helps to explain her emotional and psychological state.
Marika's history makes it difficult for her to become vulnerable to emotions and truly feel happy. However, she finally lets go of all the pain she's seen and experienced allowing her to realize what she wants. She gains a new perspective; as the sentiment goes "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".
I found this a very interesting read. I was fascinated by the life-threatening experiences, disturbed by the descriptions of the suffering around the world and deeply moved by the main character's discovery of the meaning of happiness and her mentor's pessimistic interpretation of life.
The story jumps around in time a bit which has both positives and negatives. I felt at times it wasn't a smooth transition so it broke up my train of thought somewhat. However, it also worked to give a background to Marika's life which helps to explain her emotional and psychological state.
Marika's history makes it difficult for her to become vulnerable to emotions and truly feel happy. However, she finally lets go of all the pain she's seen and experienced allowing her to realize what she wants. She gains a new perspective; as the sentiment goes "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".
It is also very thought provoking. While I believe it is true what is said about American society being more interested in the love lives of celebrities than in the genocide in other countries, the theory that we have no control over anything that happens would actually suggest that this is okay. So the question is: Should we do more about the world's atrocities or accept that we have no control? If we don't have control but don't accept it, wanting to "do the right thing", we may fall into the same rut as the Marika, unable to enjoy life knowing about the suffering of others. The solution may be simplified with the serenity prayer, which provides guidance to make important decisions in life:
"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference"
No comments:
Post a Comment