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Is there a such thing as a happy work of art?

I ask this question because if I read another bring me down, why is life even worth living, I'm too miserable to even lift my head off my pillow type of novel, I might just become a character in one of these blasted books. I guess its a widely known fact that art equals angst but does it have to be so dang depressing all the time? Is an uplifting story just too much to ask for? Obviously you know how "The Book Thief" ends and it ain't all puppies and roses I can assure you that. It honestly might be the saddest book I've ever read or maybe I say that because everything I have read recently has been particularly gloomy, and I'm at my maximum capacity for heartache(add in the fact that after my beloved Patriots lost the Superbowl, and we are just about at the breaking point.)
What really did I expect from a Holocaust book? Honestly, I'll have to fall on my own sword here because I knew what I was getting in to. Actually, this isn't always true: I have read Holocaust stories that have elements of hope to them - and the theme of survival amidst harrowing circumstances. These types of stories don't leave me with hollow, gaping hole inside like "The Book Thief" did. The writing of this book was really lyrical and symbolic and as a former English major, I couldn't help but have appreciation for that, but that is about all I enjoyed. The rest was just purposefully brutal I feel and I'm really done with reading stuff that has zero glimmers of joy. I'm begging you my loyal 3 readers, please give me something happy to read and quick!

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    Jane Austen books have happy endings!!! How about something by Charles Dickens? Although the plots can sometimes be depressing, Dickens sprinkles humor throughout. I recommend Bleak House. It'll keep you busy for a while, but worthwhile.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jen GreeneFebruary 8, 2012 at 8:26 AM

    Bleak House as a light read? Really? Even the name does not suggest light, airy reading

    ReplyDelete

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