“Turtles All The Way Down” profoundly depicts the everyday struggles of Aza Holmes, and John Green masterfully brings to life the intricate thought processes within her mind. The novel opens with Aza Holmes intriguingly inviting readers into her mind, musing, ‘I might be fictional,’ a profound insight that suggests ‘your life is a story told about you, not one that you tell.’ This introduction in “Turtles All The Way Down” sets the stage for understanding Aza’s OCD, a central aspect of our protagonist’s character.
Aza Holmes: The Essence of “Turtles All The Way Down”
The novel vividly portrays Aza’s daily struggles, immersing readers in a ‘deep spiral’ of her thoughts. This narrative approach allows a deeper understanding of her challenges and the complexity of her character. Set in Indianapolis, “Turtles All The Way Down” explores themes of friendship, relationships, trauma, and the nuances of seemingly ordinary life. It’s a story that delves into life’s various shades.
Character Dynamics: Aza and Daisy
The bounty hunt that drives Aza and Daisy in the first part of “Turtles All The Way Down” is critiqued as somewhat unconvincing. Daisy’s impulsiveness contrasts with Aza’s complexity, making Aza’s immediate involvement appear overly simplistic for her character.
Davis: A Complementary Complexity
In “Turtles All The Way Down,” we meet Davis, a character as complex in his own way as Aza, though his development isn’t as prominent. Further exploration of Davis would have added depth, but the focus remains on Aza and her internal battles. Their emerging romance is portrayed as both charming and heartfelt, illustrating the novel’s message that ‘love is not a tragedy or a failure, but a gift.’
Mental Health: A Central Theme
John Green skillfully addresses the societal misunderstandings and lack of acceptance of mental health complexities. Daisy, Aza’s best friend, exemplifies this when she exclaims, “You think it’s hard for you and I’m sure it is from inside your head,” capturing the internal struggles Aza faces in “Turtles All The Way Down.”
The Significance of the Title: Turtles All The Way Down
The novel’s title, “Turtles All The Way Down,” intriguingly symbolizes life’s layered complexities and is cleverly explained within the narrative. The book is a celebration of life, with its ups and downs, encapsulated in the phrase, “In real life, some things get better and some things get worse.”
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Readers of “Turtles All The Way Down” will embark on a roller coaster journey through Aza Holmes’ intensely complex thought process. This novel invites you to savor the ride, offering a rich, insightful experience into the human mind and heart.
My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewed on:
- Hardbound
- Total pages: 286
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Turtles All The Way Down – John Green
