I have always been enthralled by the Chronicles of Narnia and I'm pretty sure a lot of people are, too. The book series, written by C.S. Lewis, has been one of the most loved children's books in the world (although I would argue that it's target audience is not exclusive). And so after all the adventures of the Pevensie kids in the land of Narnia (which spanned 7 books), they finally go back to their "real world." Aslan have told them cannot go back when they grow older. I feel so heartbroken about this rule, it's bittersweet, and that's why I clinged to the story longer than I should have.
And then I stumbled upon this book. Somehow, my hopes of returning to Narnia came back.
The Light Between the Worlds serves as an epilogue of the Narnia plot, but set in another universe. Names and other references were altered to avoid copyright infringements I guess, but the similarities are certainly obvious. In this narrative, Cervus, a stag, calls three human children into the Woodlands to help fight against a cruel leader who wants to invade the land. After peace has been restored, Cervus sent back the children to their world again. But for these children, their hearts and souls have been changed forever.
I honestly felt that this book was handed to me by the Universe. I am very much sure of it. As I read about this book via an NPR Facebook post, I was curiously drawn to get to know more about it. I shared the article on my wall and thought nothing about it for the rest of the day. However, as days past, the book kept on popping up on my mind randomly. I knew I had to read it once and for all.
The book might not be for everyone, I believe, as it touches some topics that might be sensitive and triggering for others. It has themes of depression and suicide, and so if your mind is not in a safe place, it might not be a good idea to read the book. I had no idea that the book touches these areas, but fortunately I was in a healthy mental state when I started reading this. My overall mood actually improved while I journeyed into this book's story because curiously I was currently experiencing the same struggles. For a few years now, I had an irreversible wrath with my sister, and this book really helped me heal and let go of all the burden in my heart. Together with other factors (a TED podcast about Forgiveness), I gradually let go of the baggages that have been pulling me down. And as I closed the book, with teary eyes closed, I knew that my heart and mind felt lighter.
I love Laura's words, they were so poetic. There were several moments in the book that pierced my heart. The undertone of the book's narrative may not be exactly the same as mine, but the overall message strikes home. It's okay if we live in different worlds now, there's nothing entirely wrong with that. To be truly happy, I had to follow my heart, and she followed hers. As long as we have accepted and respected each others' choices, there's no need for misunderstandings and conflicts.
It's amazing how such works of literature can change someone's life. This book sure did it for me.
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