As a dedicated bookworm, my favourite way to make friends is through reading and writing.
After delving into "The Diary of a Bookshop," I couldn't resist sending a postcard to the quaint bookshop nestled in Wigtown, Scotland, igniting a fascinating exchange that piqued everyone's curiosity about my second home country, New Zealand.
While travelling around the world, I found a delightful commonality among my Airbnb hosts: our mutual passion for books. Engaging in conversations sparked by their diverse collections, I had the pleasure of meeting fellow book enthusiasts along the way. It's amazing how a shared love for literature can forge connections and lead to lasting friendships.
Reflecting on these experiences, I'm continually amazed by the profound connections literature fosters. Books not only offer companionship but also serve as bridges that span vast distances, linking hearts and minds across cultures and continents.
In this article, I'll delve into some remarkable cinematic and literary works that revolve around the transformative power of books. May books always hold a special place in your life, opening doors to boundless worlds and fostering meaningful spiritual and intellectual exchanges.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
The quirky-titled film "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is bound to strike a chord with Londoners, conjuring up visions of the iconic Route 49 double-decker red buses, the brick houses lining High Street Kensington, and the familiar sight of Foyles bookstore, among others.
Set against the backdrop of German occupation during World War II on Guernsey Island, the movie chronicles the islanders' ingenious decision to form a book club—aptly named as the title suggests—as a means of navigating the harsh realities of the occupation.
A chance discovery by one club member of a book once owned by the female protagonist leads to a daring letter, igniting a heartfelt correspondence and ultimately prompting her visit to the island to experience the unique literary society firsthand. As they unravel mysteries, they not only unearth secrets of the past but also forge special bonds of friendship and love.
The film underscores the profound role of books as tools for forging connections among people—a sentiment I often find echoed in the pages of a captivating read. Whether the authors are present or departed, near or far, their mesmerizing words possess an extraordinary ability to unite us, turning every book into a genuinely enchanting treasure brimming with its unique magic.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog
In this film, the main characters form a bond over "Anna Karenina," despite their differing backgrounds. It reminds me of the love story between my friends, who began their romance on a subway thanks to Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead." Similarly, in my own novel, the connection between the two characters was sparked by George Orwell's "1984."
The film wraps up with a classic French ending. Just when you're expecting the prince and Cinderella to ride off into the sunset, the director and writer pull a reality check, reminding us that life doesn't always unfold like a fairy tale. Rather than chasing the idealized concept of "happily ever after," it's crucial to treasure every fleeting moment. After all, these instances of connecting moments and sharing intimate experiences can enrich our lives indefinitely, wouldn't you agree?
Notting Hill
This is a classic romantic film that needs no introduction; every girl dreams of finding a boy who can love her for who she truly is, beyond societal labels. Upon arriving in London, I made a beeline for The Notting Hill Bookshop, the prototype for the bookstore in the movie "Notting Hill," envisioning myself stepping into the shop and encountering a charmingly awkward owner (which didn't happen here, but did occur at Libreria Bookshop in Spitalfields, that’s another story).
In life, many opportunities arise that demand proactive engagement. While taking action doesn't always lead to success, failing to act virtually ensures failure. Therefore, for those in search of romance, it might be worth considering spending more time exploring outside your house. After all, you never know what serendipitous encounter or meaningful connection you might stumble upon among the shelves of literature or somewhere else.
84, Charing Cross Road
Book lovers should be familiar with 84, Charing Cross Road in London. The once-beloved bookstore has now been taken over by McDonald's, leaving only the meaningful plaque on the wall, yet it fails to dampen the enthusiasm of those who come to pay their respects.
"84, Charing Cross Road" documents the correspondence between New York writer Helene and London antiquarian bookseller Frank over more than 20 years. Their friendship, sparked by a shared love of books, spanned countries, but sadly, they never met in person. Despite the regret of never meeting, their international bond provided companionship throughout their lives, reminiscent of another film, "Mary and Max."
If you happen to pass by 84 Charing Cross Road, kiss it for me? I owe it so much.
― Helene Hanff, 84, Charing Cross Road
Black Books
This dark comedy, brimming with British humor, never fails to elicit tears of laughter. Dylan Moran, portraying the irritable, sharp-tongued, and eccentric bookstore owner. Both he and the female owner of the adjacent store possess a simultaneously disillusioned and whimsical outlook on life, complemented by the arrival of a kind-hearted yet clueless accountant. Together, their comedic and absurd escapades unfold.
The movie is packed with sharp insights that prompt contemplation time and again. Dylan Moran, both the writer and lead actor, demonstrates a keen sensitivity to life, allowing him to capture life's core succinctly. Despite life's absurdities, he faces them with a defiance reminiscent of Sisyphus, employing self-deprecation and humor as tools of resilience and discovering joy amidst the chaos.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
This is a best-selling book that revolves around the themes of loneliness and love. On a secluded island, there's only one bookstore owned by A. J. Fikry, who has experienced the loss of his beloved wife, a crisis in the bookstore, and even the theft of his most valuable books.
He isolates himself, navigating the world with a cynical attitude. However, everything changes when he discovers an abandoned baby girl in the bookstore and decides to adopt her. The adopted daughter becomes A. J. Fikry's lifeline, connecting him with his sister-in-law, the local sheriff, and a female saleswoman, bringing a turning point to his life and showcasing the magical power of books to those around him.
One line from the book deeply resonated with me:
We read to know we’re not alone. We read because we are alone. We read and we are not alone. We are not alone.
As social creatures, we're not meant to exist in isolation. Our lives are intertwined, and we long to connect with like-minded souls who truly comprehend us in the midst of humanity's vast expanse. While the act of reading may sometimes feel solitary, the skillful portrayal of emotions and experiences by writers provides solace, reassuring us that we're not alone in our journey. Each time we encounter passages that strike a chord within us, we're reminded of the profound beauty of our world and how shared understanding transcends the constraints of time and distance.
The Book Thief
Narrated by "Death," "The Book Thief" tells the tale of Liesel, a young girl compelled to reside with foster parents during Nazi Germany. It's here she discovers the joy of reading, guided by her foster father.
Termed the "book thief" by Death, Liesel discovers comfort in literature amidst wartime turmoil, touching the lives of those around her while also receiving their selfless care. In the end, Death arrives inconspicuously, treating each soul equally. Though death is inevitable, the journey is enriched with love.
The unique power of books lies in their capacity to provide comfort, instill belief, and foster resilience in hearts fraught with anxiety, thereby offering invaluable support for individuals to persist in the face of life's challenges.
Just as Anne Frank's diary became a source of inspiration and courage during tumultuous times, books continue to serve as a sanctuary for the human spirit, lending strength and endurance to those navigating the complexities of wartime existence in this story.
The Reader
At the tender age of 15, Michael crosses paths with Hanna, a 36-year-old illiterate woman. Despite their vast age difference, their connection blossoms as Michael reads to her, and in return, Hanna gives him sexual love. However, their disparate love story meets to an end when Hanna disappears suddenly.
Eight years later, Michael finds himself unexpectedly reunited with Hanna during a trial for Nazi war criminals. Driven by her pride and determined to conceal her illiteracy, Hanna falsely confesses to crimes she did not commit, resulting in a life sentence. Meanwhile, Michael grapples with inner turmoil for failing to speak up in her defense. He attempts to reach out to Hanna by sending her recorded tapes of his readings, reigniting her hope for life and inspiring her to teach herself to read and write.
Initially, Michael's affection for Hanna was one-sided, but when Hanna is willing to sacrifice everything for him, he cruelly rejects her, leading to tragedy for both.
In life, each person holds different values—whether dignity, morality, or anything else—some of which they may even be willing to sacrifice their lives for. As long as there is hope, it serves as a driving force for people to carry on. However, when hope is shattered, life itself loses its meaning.
Misery
This film, adapted from Stephen King's novel of the same title, still sends shivers down my spine when I think about it. It recounts the harrowing tale of a writer driving to New York to submit his latest manuscript, only to have his car veer out of control. Along the way, he is kidnapped and tortured by his deranged fan. Stephen King himself once mentioned that the inspiration for this novel stemmed from the incessant demands and complaints of his fans, prompting him to write this book as a response to them.
This could be considered a rather unconventional story of bonding over books, as no writer desires to have such fervent readers. As the saying goes, "there are as many Hamlets as there are readers," meaning that once your work is out in the world, you lose control over how others interpret and analyze it. Looking back now, this work also reflects the reality of the relationship between celebrities and their obsessed fans in today's society. As a fan, is your idol truly the person you imagine them to be?
The End of the Tour
In 1996, David Lipsky, a newly minted journalist for Rolling Stone magazine, started on a five-day road trip with renowned author David Foster Wallace to promote Wallace's new book, "Infinite Jest."
As they spent days and nights together, the two Davids formed a subtle friendship. Although the planned report never materialized, and the two never met again, the recorded conversations from that time became the sole witness to their friendship.
In 2008, David Foster Wallace tragically took his own life, prompting Lipsky to revisit his long-buried memories. Spending two years compiling the recordings and notes from their journey, Lipsky published "Although Of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself." Time magazine hailed the book as a "duet played by four hands on a typewriter."
The film "The End of the Tour" is adapted from Lipsky's book. During this five-day road trip, Wallace and Lipsky discussed topics ranging from loneliness, philosophy, media, and poetry to love, and everything about writing.
I adore films adapted from real-life events, especially those filled with meaningful conversations. My introduction to David Foster Wallace began with his widely shared inspirational video, "This is Water." Later, I delved into his works and was deeply moved by his ability to portray loneliness and emptiness with profound sincerity. He was hailed as the "contemporary Hemingway," but unfortunately, he met the same fate as Hemingway in the end.
In conclusion, let's end with a quote from David Foster Wallace. May you be able to read books that shake your soul, and may these books lead you to find like-minded companions in our life ❤️.
谢谢分享。我喜欢电影。我今天开始为期三个月的书法课程