So, I thought I would jump on the hype of The Fault In Our Stars that the world is currently caught up in as a response to the upcoming release of the screen adaptation. The basic story behind this novel can be seen as a common and slightly mundane teenage RomCom, but Green forms the text in such a way it differs from all over novels of a similar plot. There wasn't a single chapter where I wasn't brought to tears, either happy or sad! I must admit going into the text I didn't have high hopes going into it, but after continual persuasion from my friend I caved and ordered it and I wouldn't change that decision for the world! It had great competition in my mind because I'd just finished Allegiant, the final book in the Divergent Trilogy, which quickly stole my heart and it seemed impossible a book could take its place. But John Green congratulations you did it!
I struggled to put this book down as Green instantly develop strong characters who I felt I knew (which many authors struggle to create). I struggle to pinpoint why TFIOS is such a great text as it's not a classical, complex text filled with cryptic messages, it's just a clear, reasonably simple text and it's incredibly effective. The most incredible achievement of John Green in this text is the ability of a 36 year-old man to capture the character of a 16 year-old teenage girl effectively. Hazel Grace is a unique character, not just for her cancer, but also for her more mature mind, when meeting Augustus she doesn't just swoon and discuss how gorgeous he is (although she does mention it) which helps avoid the slightly sickly romance. Personally, my favourite characteristic of Hazel is her response to Augustus getting out a cigarette, she stands up to him. I think the reason she's such a brilliant character is her willingness to stand up to people and not just sit in a corner and accept her fate. The Star-Crossed lovers nature of Hazel and Augustus I feel also is a huge player in everyone's love for it, but personally the defining nature of this relationship is Hazel's refusal to become a "grenade". People generally think along the lines of 'she might not have long to live so she's bound to jump on a relationship' but John Green conflicts this approach showing her fear of the end and an instant similarity between the lovers (as one of the first things Gus tells us is "I fear oblivion,” he said without a moment’s pause. “I fear it like the proverbial blind man who’s afraid of the dark.”).
To me Augustus is a perfect character, and my dream man (as I'm sure every female reader agrees), not just because of his dashing good looks, but his intelligence and way with words. John Green has created a love interest that isn't the stereotypical hottie he's witty and intelligent. If you don't believe me of his way with words, here's your proof:
“I’m in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we’re all doomed and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we’ll ever have, and I am in love with you.”
In short Green could of just written "I love you Hazel" or some other stereotypical confession of love but he is much more literate in his approach, and every time i read it my heart melts because the words are frankly beautiful. My favourite bit of this sentence is his reference to oblivion (his biggest fear) and saying he doesn't care about oblivion if it means he can love her!!
In conclusion, John Green has achieved an incredible piece of modern literature in The Fault In Our Stars that is perfect for all age groups and reduced me to tears continually (without ruining the plot I will just say I can look at a Christmas Tree again). Without Doubt I easily give TFIOS 10/10! Bravo John Green.
A side note is a question many people ask "Is An Imperial Affliction a real book?" I too was confused by this and John Green has said himself that no it is not and that Peter Van Houten is not a real person. However, his inspiration behind AIA was Infinite Jest (David Foster Wallace) and The Blood of The Lamb (Peter De Vries), they have gone straight on my summer reading list!
"You see we may not look like much but between the three of us we have: 5 legs, 4 eyes, 2 and a half pairs of working lungs"
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