Sarah asked: What is it about Olive that Henry loves? Or does that miss the point - he loves her without loving much about her?
This is one aspect of this book that I can't stop thinking about. I'm not sure why Henry loved Olive, but I was heartbroken when, after the incident in the hospital, it was written that words that were spoken by both of them changed their relationship forever. Here is a man who loves a fairly unlovable woman for years and years without much in return. (or so it seems.) And then, so late in life, things are spoken that destroy all of that. And yet, and yet! Olive is incredibly dedicated to Henry when he's in the nursing home. That dedication is not something I would have expected from her. I really felt the push and pull of "things changed forever" and "some things never change." It was like Olive became Henry once he was "gone" but still alive --- all of a sudden Olive is the one who doesn't let negativity get to her. She's positive she can hear him. She's sure she makes a positive addition to his "life."
Which brings me to the ending. When I finished I thought, "well that was weird." I didn't understand what that new relationship was all about. Then, while discussing it with a friends she asked, "Do you think it was an opportunity for change and hope for Olive?" Hmmm....and then I started looking over notes I made while reading. (okay, let's agree to ignore that geekiness, yes?)
Remember the story about the piano player? She was the other woman for a long, long time then one night she decides to end that relationship. The theme of that story was summed up with this: "Angie...felt she had figured something out too late, and that must be the way of life, to get something figured out when it was too late." And it hit me! That's Olive at the end!!! I still don't know what that means for Olive and the man she met on the running path, but at least it explains Olive to me a bit more.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I love how she realized that they might not have chosen each other in the past, but at that time late in their lives, they each fulfilled something for the other.
I just watched Valentines Day, a star-studded chick flick, clearly not like Olive. But one theme was the same: when you you truly love someone, you choose to love all of them, not just the parts that are easy to like.
When we did our marriage prep course, it was called, "A Decision to Love". I didn't really get it back then, but as we go along, it makes more sense. You have to make that choice every day, because it isn't always easy. But in the end, it's worth is to have that partner in your life. Maybe Olive is realizing that at the end.
I think she is realizing that. And to me, that makes the break on Henry's part (emotionally, not the physical event that happens)that much sadder.
Agreed. Some parts of the book almost made my stomach hurt and that was one of them. There are moments when I say something thoughtless that I have that sinking feeling, "Have I said something unforgivable?" Then Matt forgives me and I realize what a gift I have in him. Then I have to remember to be that forgiving as well.
Post a Comment