Whether you have seen the movie or read the book, there is no escape from the cascade of emotion you feel after coming into contact with a Nicholas Sparks story.
For myself, and for so many of his fans, The Notebook is my favourite to read. I could read all of Sparks' work over and over (and believe me, I do!) but the raw angst of two young lovers from two totally different walks of life really goes one step further for me, and no matter how many times I read and reread, I can never get enough.
We encounter Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson when they meet in pre-World War II North Carolina in Summertime and embark upon a whirlwind romance, which may remind the reader of Grease's Danny and Sandy – only to be stopped by the socio-economic realities of their two very separate lives. After every effort is spent on Noah's part to find her, he decides to move up north to find employment, and eventually signs up for duty and goes off to war; never forgetting Allie of their Summer together. Fourteen years go by, and he returns home and decides to restore an old farmhouse, largely to keep him busy after serving his country.
Allie, who we learn had moved to Charleston for college and is now engaged to Lon, much to her parents approval, spots Noah’s newly renovated farmhouse in a local newspaper, and is struck again by the feelings she had locked away in her heart all those years ago. However, with her impending marriage on the horizon, she is forced to make a choice. Returning to Noah to confront the questions and doubts in her mind about her future, the reader is taken on an adventure as she tries to decide which path is right for her.
The reason why you cannot seem to put The Notebook down is not only because of the tide of emotions you experience while reading, but also because of the dilemma.
Who did she choose?
My favourite quote from the novel is one of the elderly man in the very first chapter. 'I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've lead a common life'. After the reading the entire novel, you realise that even though you are not given this man's name at the beginning, the line is as far away from the truth as possible. It makes me smile for this exact reason every time I read the book for another countless time.
The story is a tale of love, pain, respect and one of miracles that we all ache for. Bittersweet and beautiful, Sparks' first published novel is one that will tug on your heartstrings from the get-go, and will have you in its grip for years after your first read.