From print to film: Will this one be a success?
Will bestseller ‘Dear John’ be as beautiful on screen as on the page?
In 2006, the “New York Times” best-selling author Nicholas Sparks published “Dear John” in which he merged the two entirely different existences of two young adult souls: one, a troubled male who turns to the army for guidance, and, the second, a genuine southern-bell gal who doesn’t want to fall in love.
But with a mastermind romantic like Sparks, John Tyree and Savannah Lynn Curtis meet, fall in love, and fall apart in a captivating and, of course, heartbreaking tale.
Sparks has opened up the hearts of millions, giving them the sheer belief in true love. His knack for transcending love of the most unattainable into the completely tangible is outstanding. Luckily, several of his heartrending stories have been brought to life via the big screen.This Friday, January 5, “Dear John” will become another major motion picture that started as just a vision in the lovesick mind of Sparks.While “Dear John” resembles “The Notebook” in summary (two young individuals meet in the summer in North Carolina, and are torn apart for inevitable reasons, but stay in touch through written letters), John and Savannah’s story stands as its own.
Unfortunately, this book was written post-Notebook, so it will constantly be compared to the story of Noah and Allie. If Sparks had written “Dear John” first, the book would be worth so much more because it is, ultimately, a far better written novel. The main characters are well-rounded and believable, including John’s autistic father and Savannah’s humble friend, Tim. The emotions exhibited by the characters are written in a way that makes readers get on the same level with them and feel what they feel. Love, passion, fidelity. Jealousy, melancholy, frustration.
The novel is told in the first-person from the perspective of John. It is written as if he were talking directly to the reader, like a conversation of sorts. He speaks in the present tense in the year 2006, letting readers know that he and Savannah are no more, and it was he who ended it. To find out their story and why it had to end, one must read on.
The story plunges into Part I of the book, set in North Carolina during the year 2000. John gives background information about his life, especially about his relationship with his coin-collecting father. Then he recaps how he met Savannah in entrancing detail while on his yearly break from the infantry. Where their story begins is unexpected, yet quite charming. Soon, the growing love between the two feels so real that it becomes challenging to put the novel down.“Dear John” is an easy read with a steady pace that quickens and slows at just the right parts. The pace is controlled with both summaries and scenes, some blooming with detail.
John’s vivid descriptions of Savannah’s characteristics, like the way she laughs and elusively smiles, are touching and relatable. Many can either relate to that otherworldly romance that leaves both partners positively changed. Also many can relate to having a loved one in the army.
After a short two weeks, Savannah and John have sculpted a love that some take a lifetime to master. And then John is sent back to his base in Germany. The lovers learn of distance and patience, of ever-growing affection and how the heart is powerful enough to transform the soul.Before John leaves, he promises he will come back to wherever Savannah is during his next break from the army. He promises to marry her. She vows to wait for him, and that she does. But she cannot wait forever.
Become indulged in the story of John and Savannah. Learn to love and let love go through their tale that is heartbreaking, yet utterly uplifting. And if you have already read or seen “The Notebook,” put the story of those two lovers behind.
A fan of the book “Dear John” can only wonder how it will stand as a major motion picture. Will the beauty and emotion felt while reading the novel be properly delivered in theaters? Will critics just bash Sparks for seemingly lacking in the creative department? It is sure to be a sappy romance that is perfect for dates. But it will also offer universal-like themes that all can benefit from. Anyone who gravitates toward novels overflowing with smiles and tears should pick up “Dear John,” as it sure to leave an imprint before reaching the conclusion.