Love Story by Erich Segal is my second favorite book of all time. No, not because I'm a sucker for love stories but because it was the only love story that I have read which wasn't mushy or way too unrealistic. Yes, there is still that poor girl-rich guy element which most love stories contain but it's not bad for a novel entitled as such.
I got the book by accident when I was browsing through my Dad's book shelf and I found this old, worn out book. I thought it was just that, old and worn out. To my surprise, it was written by Erich Segal. At that time, I was really into his novels such as Doctors (another favorite of mine), The Class, Acts of Faith, etc. I was so excited to see an old novel of his that I actually read it despite its title. To my surprise, I just loved the book. I t was simple and profound. I couldn't believe myself when I even bought its sequel, Oliver Story which wasn't bad but made me realize that I really am not cut out to patronize love stories.
Just this month, a friend of mine lent me a couple of VCDs to watch. One of these is a copy of the movie Love Story. I didn't want to watch it at first because I am almost always disappointed with movies which were based from books. Take for example Bridges of Madison County, The Notebook and Bourne Series ( its only saving grace is Matt Damon). The movies are not so bad but they can't meet up with the magnitude of the books which they were taken from. So it was only 20 days after I got them that I decided to watch it because it was the only 1 that I actually haven't seen.
I have to tell you, the movie was great. It is not a Schindler's List or English Patient great but personally- great because it was like reading the book when I was watching it. Erich Segal wrote its screenplay first then turned it into a novel. That's why the movie and book were so similar.
I was amazed when I found out in the net that the movie recieved several golden globe major awards and oscar nominations. The movie was controversial and highly criticized because of it was mushy and cliche-ish.surpriseden suprised that I actually loved this movie. Even the famous quote from the movies, "Love means never having to say I'm sorry" is such bull-shit. But that is what makes this book/movie so 'kilig' and utterly romantic.
I suggest that you read the book first, then watch the movie. Just in case you got extra time and money, read its sequel.
2 comments:
This is the first book I read and cried to.
Have you read othere Segal's works? I like Doctors obviously and The Class too.
Yes did! Don't forget the Prizes and Love Story's sequel, Oliver Story. Hehe. I'm a Segal fan too. ;)
Post a Comment