Until I loved I never lived: a literary celebration of love in all its forms
N/A著
館長分享
In a world where love is often reduced to fleeting gestures and clichéd phrases, “Until I Loved, I Never Lived” shines as a bright collection that reconnects readers with the rich and intricate nature of love. Through excerpts, poems, reflections, and from the timeless words of great writers such as William Shakespeare and Jane Austen to the profound wisdom of Kahlil Gibran, it encourages readers to contemplate how love can transform, heal, and define our humanity.
The selections in this book are not just quotes; they are windows into the essence of love. Let’s begin with William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18”, where love transforms into a timeless bond between mortal beauty and eternal art. In fourteen lines, passion tempers into permanence: summer may fade, but the beloved lives on in verse. Then comes Kahlil Gibran’s poignant observation: “And ever has it been that love knows not its depth until the hour of separation”, which reminds us that love is not only measured by its presence, but also by the void it creates; absence deepens our understanding of love.
The love of friendship is also beautifully portrayed in the book. Jane Austen’s insightful and warm view of friendship in Northanger Abbey includes the line “There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends…” which emphasizes a loyalty in friendship as fierce as any kind of love. Charles Dickens also expresses his love as a rhythmic drumbeat in “Great Expectations”, where the wild pulse of “Love her, love her!” helps readers visualize the “torn heart” of love: despite the pain, love grows stronger.
Besides, the witty remarks of Anthony Trollope in “The Eustace Diamonds” state “The persons whom you cannot care for in a novel… are the very same you dearly love in life”, reminding us of the reality that sometimes flawed people earn our love through their vulnerability. Lastly, Oscar Wilde reminds readers that “to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance” in “An Ideal Husband”. It emphasizes the significance of self-love. After all, loving yourself is truly the most important aspect of life.
Measuring approximately 15cm x 11cm x 1cm, this pocket-sized book is a perfect companion for commutes, park benches, or quiet evenings. It also reminds us that love isn’t just about grand gestures, but thrives in the small moments we share. Grab it, borrow it, tuck it into your bag, and let love be your guiding light.