BOOK REVIEW
Stephen Chbosky taught us that things change, friends leave and life doesn't stop for anybody.
Dear friend,
The last book I finished reading was Stephen Chbosky’s novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I also happen to have last watched the film version of the novel, directed by the author himself. I want to share some of my thoughts on both mediums. Both of them present the coming of age drama following the story of Charlie, an introverted teenager who has entered his first year of high school.
The novel and film depict the tumultuous reality of growing up and the experiences that we as adolescents face. Ones of hardship, friendship, drama and love, we are allowed a private conversation with the experiences that have allowed Charlie to explore and discover who he is in this world and society.
Although I personally could not relate to the stereotypical high school life as depicted in all American films, I did find Charlie to be endearing in his quiet nature and the gradual growth we are able to undersee. The novel is written in letter form, not to anyone in particular, making us not only wonder at who he is writing to but creates an intimacy between the reader and Charlie himself. We are able to empathise with him and perceive the friendships he has formed in a grander scale whereby the movie lacked that attachment and was successful in a different sense. The novel mentions quite a numerous collection of songs and bands, as Charlie makes mixtapes, which the movie was able to incorporate to create the atmosphere and mood that the characters have towards the songs. Profound feelings of attachment and sentiment which made me wish that I could be a part of the same experiences and friendships they share.
Stephen Chbosky, Author
Another aspect that the film was unable to capture was the family life and relationships that Charlie had. In that way, I appreciate the novel more. We are able to see why Charlie is the way he is, as he retells in his letters past experiences and we are able to develop a stronger sense of who the characters are, rather than them merely being Charlie’s mum and dad, who we do not see very much throughout the film. However, in saying this, both the book and film are enjoyable and have been acclaimed according to what they deserve. Now looking back upon my experience of both, I remember the novel most, primarily because of the atmosphere of youth and friendship and the progression of Charlie’s loveable character.
One notable theme that resonated with me was the need to participate in life and the inclusiveness that Charlie was able to feel once he made friends. Despite the rollercoaster of highs and lows, we are able to see the development of character and Charlie’s shift from an introverted person to one more confident and resolute with the meaning of life. A larger part of Charlie’s identity is also revealed and heightens the importance of character development within the novel, which the film wasn’t able to give justice to.
Either way, both were highly engaging and I recommend you to read and watch them, especially those of us currently returning back to school and need a little uplifter towards the importance of being young and to cherish it. In the words of my good ol’ friend Charlie:
“... please believe that things are good with me, and even when they’re not, they will be soon enough. And I will believe the same about you.”
Love always, Charlie
-by A Gen, Year 11